What you need to know before you start

California issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age, immigration status, and what you plan to drive. The standard Driver's License (DL) lets you drive most vehicles on public roads. A Provisional License is for drivers under 18 with restrictions. An AB 60 License is available to anyone regardless of immigration status, but it cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a plane. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required if you drive trucks or buses for work.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licenses. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must visit a DMV office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes several weeks from your first visit to receiving your card in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • California requires you to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number (or an AB 60 declaration if you cannot provide one).
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before the DMV issues your license.
  • An AB 60 License has the same driving privileges as a standard DL but cannot be used for federal ID purposes like flying or entering federal buildings.
  • Provisional Licenses for drivers under 18 come with restrictions on night driving and passenger limits that lift at age 18.
  • Your license is mailed to you after approval — you do not leave the DMV with a physical card, only a temporary paper permit.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

If you do not have a Social Security number or cannot provide one, you can instead sign an AB 60 Declaration at the DMV stating you do not have one. This allows you to get a license, but it will be marked as an AB 60 License and cannot be used for federal purposes.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID. The DMV will not accept expired documents or photocopies of your Social Security card.

The written test and what it covers

Before you can drive, you must pass the California written knowledge test. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. Questions cover traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices specific to California.

You can take the test in English or one of several other languages. The DMV offers free study materials online and at DMV offices. Many people study the California Driver Handbook, which covers everything on the test. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you will pay the test fee again.

After you pass the written test, you receive a Permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold this permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test (or two months if you are over 18).

The driving test and behind-the-wheel requirements

Once you have held your permit for the required time, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at a DMV office. The test takes about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive on public roads and perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes.

You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration, proof of insurance, and safety equipment (working lights, brakes, wipers, horn) must all be current. If the car fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it as soon as two weeks later. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you pay the test fee each time.

Standard Driver's License versus AB 60 License

A Standard California Driver's License requires proof of a Social Security number and is valid for federal purposes. You can use it to board a plane, enter federal buildings, and open a bank account. It is the most widely accepted form of ID in California.

An AB 60 License is available to anyone who cannot or does not want to provide a Social Security number. It has the same driving privileges — you can drive any non-commercial vehicle on California roads. However, it cannot be used for federal purposes like air travel, federal building entry, or federal ID verification. Some private businesses may also refuse to accept it as ID.

Both licenses cost the same and require the same tests. The only difference is what you can use it for outside of driving. If you think you might need federal ID later, a standard license is the better choice if you can provide a Social Security number.

Provisional Licenses for drivers under 18

California issues a Provisional License to drivers aged 16 and 17. It has the same driving privileges as an adult license but comes with restrictions that expire on your 18th birthday.

With a Provisional License, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot carry more than one passenger under 20 years old unless a licensed adult 25 or older is in the car. These rules are strictly enforced, and violations can result in a fine and suspension of your license.

You must hold a permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a Provisional License. Once you turn 18, the restrictions automatically lift and your license becomes a standard adult license.

Fees, renewal, and how long your license lasts

A California Driver's License costs money for the process, written test, and driving test combined. Fees vary slightly depending on your age and license type, but expect to pay between $30 and $40 total. You pay this at the DMV when you explore.

Once issued, a standard Driver's License is valid for five years. A Provisional License is valid until you turn 18, at which point it converts to a standard license. You can renew online or by mail before your license expires, though your first renewal may require an in-person visit.

After you pass your driving test and the DMV approves your license, you will receive a temporary paper permit valid for 60 days. Your actual plastic license card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. Do not throw away the paper permit — it is valid ID until your card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a California driver's license from start to finish?

From your first DMV visit to receiving your card in the mail typically takes four to eight weeks. The written test can happen the same day you explore. The driving test requires you to hold a permit for at least six months (or two months if you are over 18). After you pass the driving test, the plastic card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

Can I use an AB 60 License to fly on an airplane?

No. An AB 60 License is not accepted as federal ID for air travel. You would need a passport, passport card, or Real ID-compliant standard California Driver's License to board a plane. If you think you will need to fly, get a standard license instead if you can provide a Social Security number.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as soon as two weeks later. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again. You keep your permit while you practice and schedule another test.

Do I need car insurance to take the driving test?

Yes. You must bring proof of current insurance for the vehicle you are using. The insurance must be active and in the vehicle owner's name. If you do not have insurance, you cannot take the test that day.

Can I get a California driver's license without a Social Security number?

Yes, through the AB 60 License program. You sign an AB 60 Declaration at the DMV stating you do not have a Social Security number. The license works for driving but cannot be used for federal purposes like flying or federal ID verification.