How does a California teen get a driver’s license?

If you’re wondering how to get your first provisional instruction permit in California, you’ve come to the right place! Here are the steps to follow to obtain your first driver’s permit in California:

Before The DMV

Before making your DMV appointment or applying, you need to complete some steps to fulfill the driver education training requirements. Here’s what to do before heading to the DMV:

Step 1: Complete a Driver’s Education Course: Enroll in a driver’s education course licensed by the California DMV. If you are at least 15 years old, you can join our program. Just complete all the chapters and pass the final exam.

Step 2: Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training: Enroll in and complete a behind-the-wheel driver training program. In addition to our online teen driver’s ed course, you must enroll in a driver training program to get a learner’s license.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Materials: Collect important paperwork before visiting the DMV, including:

• • • The original DL 44 application form signed by a parent or guardian.
    • Documents proving your identity, residency (if applicable), and birth date. These must be certified copies or originals with an impressed seal or original stamped impression, not photocopies, and cannot be laminated. For a list of acceptable documents, see the DMV website.
    • Your full true name and Social Security Number (if eligible).

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready for your DMV visit to apply for your first permit!

At The DMV

• Age Requirement: You need to be between 15½ and 18 years old. While you can start and complete your driver ed program at 15, you must be 15½ to apply for your permit.
• Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at your nearest DMV office. Appointments can save you time, and some locations only accept appointments. Book early, as some locations fill up weeks in advance, and tests are not given after 4:30 p.m., so schedule accordingly and arrive on time.
• Bring Necessary Paperwork and Identification: Refer to the list above for what to gather.
• Pass the Traffic Laws and Signs Test: The exam consists of 46 questions, and you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass.
• Pass a Vision Exam: You can use glasses or contacts for the exam, just inform the tester.
• Provide a Thumb Print and Have Your Photo Taken.
• Pay the $33 Application Fee.

California Provisional Permit Restrictions

• Obey all traffic laws.
• Drive without a collision.
• Drive with a parent, guardian, spouse, or adult aged 25 or older with a valid California driver license.
• Hold your permit for at least six months before applying for your driver license.
• Adhere to the Zero Tolerance law until age 21, meaning no drinking and driving.
• The use of cell phones, laptops, pagers, and other electronic devices is prohibited for drivers under 18.