An AB driver's license is California's standard unrestricted license for drivers aged 18 and older
The AB license is the full, unrestricted driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It allows you to drive any non-commercial vehicle — cars, trucks, motorcycles (if you also hold an M endorsement), and recreational vehicles under certain weight limits. The "AB" designation refers to the combination of Class A (vehicles over 26,001 pounds) and Class B (all other vehicles) privileges, though most everyday drivers use only the Class B portion.
You become may be able to access for an AB license at age 18 without any supervised driving requirement. If you are 16 or 17, you must first hold a provisional license (often called a learner's permit or junior license) for a minimum period before you can test for an unrestricted license. The AB license is what most people mean when they say "driver's license" — it is the default, full-privilege license for adults in California.
Key Takeaways
- An AB license grants unrestricted driving privileges for non-commercial vehicles and is available to anyone 18 or older who passes the written and driving tests.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a provisional license for at least six months (or until age 18.5, whichever is longer) before you can test for an AB license.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form to explore at a DMV office.
- The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs; the driving test evaluates basic vehicle control and safe driving decisions on public roads.
- An AB license is valid for five years from the date of issue and must be renewed before it expires to remain legal for driving.
Age Requirements and Provisional License Rules
If you are 18 or older and have never held a California driver's license, you can test for an AB license when ready. You do not need to hold a learner's permit first. You will need to pass the written test and the behind-the-wheel driving test, but there is no waiting period.
If you are 16 or 17, you must first obtain a provisional license (also called an instruction permit or junior license). You must hold this provisional license for a minimum of six months, or until you turn 18.5 years old, whichever comes later. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult (age 25 or older) in the front seat. Once you meet the time requirement and pass both the written and driving tests, you can upgrade to an unrestricted AB license.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, California may waive the written test but will still require you to pass the driving test. Bring your out-of-state or foreign license to the DMV when you explore.
Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV
California requires four categories of proof before you can test for an AB license. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
| Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, birth certificate, consular ID, permanent resident card, or tribal ID |
| Proof of California Residency | Utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (dated within 62 days of your DMV visit) |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return |
| Completed process | Form DL 44 (process for California Driver's License or Identification Card) |
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, or you can explore for a driver's license using an AB 60 process (which does not require a Social Security number). Ask the DMV clerk which option fits your situation.
Bring your current out-of-state or foreign license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring proof of your provisional license or learner's permit. Wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) if you normally wear them — the DMV will test your vision, and you must meet the minimum standard.
Written Test Content and Passing Score
The California written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 36 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You must answer at least 30 questions correctly (83 percent) to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others — ask the DMV which languages are available at your location.
The test draws from the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free at every office and online at dmv.ca.gov. Topics include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, lane changes, pedestrian safety, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test as many times as you need; there is no limit on retakes, but you must pay the test fee each time.
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, the DMV may waive the written test. Ask at the counter when you arrive. You will still take the vision test and the driving test.
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test Requirements
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. A DMV examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, lane changes, and responding to traffic signals and pedestrians. The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control and your ability to follow traffic laws.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, and a working horn. The examiner will check these before you drive. You cannot use a vehicle with a "dealer" or "temporary" license plate. If you are under 18, the adult who supervised your provisional license driving can accompany you, but they must sit in the back seat and remain silent during the test.
You must pass the vision test before you can take the driving test. If you do not meet the minimum vision standard (20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other with correction), you will not be allowed to drive. You can retest your vision at a later appointment.
Fees and Processing Timeline
The fee for an AB driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A five-year license costs $39 for applicants 62 and older, and $64 for applicants under 62. If you are 70 or older, you can choose a two-year license for $20. These fees cover the written test, driving test, and the license itself. If you fail either test and need to retake it, you pay the test fee again.
Processing time varies by location and demand. If you pass both tests on your first visit, the DMV will issue your license when ready or mail it to you within two weeks. If you fail a test, you can schedule a retest appointment, which may be weeks away depending on your local DMV's schedule. Book your appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133 to check wait times at your nearest office.
If you need your license before the standard mailing date, you can request a temporary license at the DMV office. A temporary license is valid for 60 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Renewal and License Validity
An AB driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue (or two years if you are 70 or older and chose the shorter term). You must renew before the expiration date printed on your license. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov if you meet certain conditions: your license has not been suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that affect driving, and your address has not changed. Online renewal costs $44 and takes about two weeks.
If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and the renewal fee. You will not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV requests it (usually only if your license was suspended or if you are over 70).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an AB license if I have never driven before?
Yes. If you are 18 or older, you can test for an AB license without any prior driving experience. You must pass the written test and the driving test. If you are under 18, you must first hold a provisional license for at least six months and practice with a licensed adult before you can test for an AB license.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another driving test appointment. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most DMV offices allow you to book a retest online or by phone within days or weeks, depending on availability.
Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my AB license?
No, not usually. If you renew online or at a DMV office and your license has not been suspended, you will not retake the written or driving test. You only need to pay the renewal fee and provide proof of residency if your address has changed.
Can I get an AB license without a Social Security number?
Yes. California offers an AB 60 license for applicants without a Social Security number or ITIN. You will need to bring different documents to prove identity and residency. Ask the DMV clerk about AB 60 when you arrive, or visit dmv.ca.gov for the full list of acceptable documents.
What is the difference between an AB license and a Class C license?
In California, "AB" and "Class C" refer to the same thing — the standard unrestricted driver's license for non-commercial vehicles. The term "Class C" is older and less commonly used now, but they are identical in terms of driving privileges and requirements.