California
How to get a driver’s license in California
Adults: pass the knowledge test, practice with a permit, pass the drive test. Under 18: driver education, a permit at 15½, 6 months and 50 hours of practice, then the drive test and a provisional license.
Roadfeel is an independent study guide. It doesn’t replace driver education or driver training (take those at a DMV-licensed driving school or a high school). We can’t file applications, book appointments or take DMV fees. Do those on dmv.ca.gov.
- 15½youngest age for a permit, with a driver-education certificateCA Driver Handbook dmv.ca.gov
- 50 hunder 18: supervised practice, 10 of them at nightCA Driver Handbook
- 6 mounder 18: hold the permit this long before the drive testCA Driver Handbook
- $46application fee, not refundeddmv.ca.gov
Adults (18 and older), first license
1. Apply and pass the knowledge test
Fill in the driver’s license application (you can start it online), bring proof of identity, two proofs of California residency and your Social Security number (DMV says exceptions may apply to both), and pay the $46 application fee, which isn’t refunded.
At the office you take a vision test and the knowledge test: multiple choice, 80% to pass, three tries per application.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License dmv.ca.gov: Licensing Fees dmv.ca.gov: Instruction Permits California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process
2. Practice with your instruction permit
Passing gets you an instruction permit.
Practice only with a California-licensed driver aged 18 or older who sits close enough to take control. The 6-month and 50-hour rules apply to drivers under 18; for adults, DMV says to take the drive test when you’re ready.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License dmv.ca.gov: Driver’s Licenses
3. Book the drive test
Drive tests are by appointment only. Book online or call 1-800-777-0133.
4. Take the drive test
Bring your permit, a California-licensed driver aged 18 or older to go with you, and a safe car with current insurance and registration.
The test takes about 20 minutes. To pass you need zero critical errors, no more than 15 scored errors, and no more than 3 misses on pre-drive items 9 to 14.
California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process DMV Fast Facts FFDL 22 (PDF) DMV score sheet DL 32 (PDF)
5. If you fail
Book another day. One application covers three drive-test attempts; after a third failure you reapply.
DMV pages state a minimum wait only for minors. Plan on a $9 retest fee, the amount in DMV’s fee table; the license page says $7, so check the fee when you book.
Under 18
1. Driver education and a permit at 15½
At 15½ or older, with a driver-education certificate and a parent’s or guardian’s signature on the application, take the vision and knowledge tests for a provisional instruction permit.
A failed knowledge test means a 7-day wait, not counting the test day.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process
2. Start driver training
The permit isn’t valid until a driving instructor signs it when your behind-the-wheel training begins. You need 6 hours of professional training.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License dmv.ca.gov: Driver’s Licenses
3. Practice 50 hours
Log at least 50 hours, 10 of them at night, with a California-licensed driver aged 25 or older (a parent, guardian or driving instructor may be younger).
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
4. Wait 6 months and turn 16
You can take the drive test once you’re 16 and have held the permit for at least 6 months.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
5. Take the drive test
On test day your permit should carry your instructor’s signature and a parent’s signature for the 50 hours, and you can’t drive to the DMV alone.
If you fail, wait 14 days, not counting the test day, before retesting: fail on October 1, and the earliest retest is October 16.
dmv.ca.gov: Teen Drivers California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process
6. Drive with a provisional license
For the first 12 months: no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., and no passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian or California-licensed driver aged 25+ is in the car.
Exceptions need a signed note (medical, school, work or family).
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
Already licensed somewhere else
Licensed in another state
Apply for a California license, prove identity (and residency, if you’ve never had a California license), pass a vision exam and the knowledge test.
The drive test is normally waived, though DMV can require one. People moving from another state may take the knowledge test online.
dmv.ca.gov: Driver’s Licenses DMV Fast Facts FFDL 22 (PDF) DMV news release, Dec 28, 2023: online knowledge tests
Licensed in another country
Follow the same steps as an out-of-state driver, and also pass the drive test.
A California-licensed driver aged 18 or older (25 or older if you’re under 18) must come with you to and from it; a license from another country doesn’t excuse you.
dmv.ca.gov: Driver’s Licenses California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process
Quick answers
How old do you have to be to get a permit in California?
15½, with a driver-education certificate and a parent’s or guardian’s signature.
Between 17½ and 18 you can get a permit without the driver-ed certificates, but you can’t take the drive test until you turn 18.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License dmv.ca.gov: Learner’s Permits
Do adults have to hold the permit for six months?
No. The 6-month and 50-hour rules are for drivers under 18.
Adults take the drive test when they’re ready, by appointment.
How many practice hours do teens need?
At least 50, including 10 at night, with a California-licensed driver aged 25 or older (a parent, guardian or driving instructor may be younger), plus 6 hours of professional training.
California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License dmv.ca.gov: Driver’s Licenses
What happens if I fail the drive test?
You book a new test on another day.
One application covers three drive tests. Minors wait 14 days, not counting the test day. Plan on a $9 retest fee, the amount in DMV’s fee table (another page says $7, so check when you book).
dmv.ca.gov: Driver’s Licenses California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process dmv.ca.gov: Licensing Fees