What you need to get a new California driver's license

To get your first California driver's license, you must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The entire process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it in one day.

California does not issue a driver's license by mail or online. Every new driver must appear at a DMV office to have their photo taken and to take the written exam. If you are under 18, additional rules explore about when you can drive and who must supervise you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, California residency, and Social Security number to your first DMV visit.
  • The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs; you can study the DMV handbook online before you go.
  • After passing the written test, you receive a permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.
  • You must wait at least six months (or until age 18.5 if you are a minor) before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test.
  • The behind-the-wheel test is administered by a DMV examiner at a DMV office; you cannot use a private driving school test.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring one document from each of these three categories. The DMV will not accept copies or photos of documents — originals only.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization. If you were born outside the U.S., the document must have been issued by a U.S. government agency. A school ID, work ID, or state ID from another state does not count.

Proof of California residency: A utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you at your California address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with family and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill will work.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The written test and learner's permit

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. You can study for free using the DMV's official handbook, available online at dmv.ca.gov, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DMV office.

If you pass the written test, the DMV will issue you a learner's permit on the spot. This permit lets you practice driving on public roads, but only with a licensed driver age 25 or older sitting next to you. You cannot drive alone. If you are under 18, the supervising driver must be age 25 or older; if you are 18 or older, the supervising driver must be at least 25.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time you take it.

How long you must hold a learner's permit before the driving test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of age. The six months gives you time to practice and build experience on the road.

If you are under 18, you must also be at least 18.5 years old before you can take the driving test. So if you get your permit at age 17, you will have to wait until you turn 18.5, even if six months have passed. If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, the six-month rule is the only waiting period.

During the six months you hold a permit, you can practice as much as you want. There is no limit on how many hours you can drive or how many miles you can log. The more you practice, the better prepared you will be for the driving test.

The behind-the-wheel driving test

After you have held your permit for six months (and reached age 18.5 if you are a minor), you can schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test at a DMV office. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You must also bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle can belong to you or to someone else.

The test takes about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads near the DMV office. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like turning, stopping, parking, and merging. You must follow all traffic laws and obey all traffic signs. If you make a serious mistake — such as running a red light, hitting a curb, or failing to yield — you will fail the test.

If you pass, the DMV will issue your driver's license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least two weeks before your next attempt. You will need to pay the test fee again.

Rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, California's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program places restrictions on when and how you can drive. These restrictions are built into your license and remain in effect until you turn 18.

Stage 1 (learner's permit): You can drive only with a licensed adult age 25 or older in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone, even hands-free, while driving.

Stage 2 (provisional license): After you pass the driving test and turn 16.5, you receive a provisional license. You can drive alone, but you still cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone while driving. You cannot have more than one passenger under age 20 in the car unless a licensed adult age 25 or older is present.

Stage 3 (full license): When you turn 18, the GDL restrictions are removed, and you have a full unrestricted license.

Costs and fees

The DMV charges separate fees for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. Fees vary slightly depending on whether you are getting a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. A standard California driver's license costs less but cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license costs more but meets federal identification standards.

You will pay the written test fee when you take the test. You will pay the driving test fee when you schedule or take the driving test. You will pay the license fee when the DMV issues your license. If you fail either test, you must pay the fee again to retake it. Check dmv.ca.gov for current fee amounts, as they change periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DMV office. The DMV administers the test on a computer at the office, and a staff member must verify your identity before you begin. You cannot take it remotely.

What happens if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?

You can retake the test after waiting at least two weeks. You must pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

No, driver's education is not required by California law. However, if you are under 18, completing a course may lower your car insurance rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers who have completed an approved driver's education program.

Can I use a private driving school for the behind-the-wheel test?

No. The behind-the-wheel test must be administered by a DMV examiner at a DMV office. Private driving schools cannot issue a valid California driver's license test. However, you can use a private driving school to practice and prepare for the DMV test.

What if I move to California from another state?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a California license by visiting a DMV office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will need to pass a vision test and pay a fee.