What you need to bring to the DMV
The California DMV requires specific documents before you can explore for a learner's permit. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You will need proof of identity, proof of California residency, and proof of your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document must match your identity document. 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, bring documentation of your ITIN.
You will also need to complete Form DL 44 (process for a Driver License or Identification Card) before you arrive. You can fill it out online through the DMV website or print it and complete it by hand. Bring the completed form with you to the DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- Bring original or certified copies of proof of identity, California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN — photocopies will not be accepted.
- Complete Form DL 44 before you go to the DMV, either online or by printing and filling it out by hand.
- You must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test on the same day you explore for your learner's permit.
- The written test covers California traffic laws and safe driving practices, and you need a score of at least 38 out of 46 questions correct to pass.
- Your learner's permit is valid for 12 months from the date you receive it, and you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to explore.
The vision screening and written test
After you submit your documents and Form DL 44, you will take a vision screening. The DMV will test whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed with your permit process that day.
Next, you will take the written knowledge test. This test has 46 questions and covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 38 questions correctly to pass. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. You can request a test in your preferred language when you arrive at the DMV.
You have one chance to pass the test on the day you explore. If you do not pass, you can return to the DMV and take the test again, but you will need to pay the process fee again. Many people study the California Driver Handbook before taking the test — it is free and available on the DMV website.
Fees and how long the permit lasts
The California DMV charges a fee for your learner's permit process. The exact amount varies depending on whether you are explore in person or online, and whether you need a replacement or renewal. Check the DMV website for the current fee before you go, as prices can change.
Your learner's permit is valid for 12 months from the date you receive it. You cannot renew it — once it expires, you must take the written test again if you want another one. During those 12 months, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting next to you in the front seat.
Age requirements and who can explore
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to explore for a California learner's permit. You do not need to have a job, attend school, or meet any other condition — age and residency are the main requirements. If you are under 18, you do not need a parent or guardian to sign your process, but some DMV offices may ask for parental consent.
If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage entirely and explore directly for a driver's license. You would still take the written test and vision screening, but you would also take a behind-the-wheel driving test on the same day or a later date.
explore online versus in person
California allows you to start your learner's permit process online through the DMV website. You can fill out Form DL 44, upload your documents, and pay the fee without visiting an office. However, you still must go to a DMV office in person to take the vision screening and written test — those cannot be done online.
explore online first can save you time at the DMV office because your paperwork will already be reviewed. When you arrive for your appointment, you will move straight to the vision screening and test. If you explore in person instead, you will complete the entire process in one visit, but it may take longer.
To explore online, go to the DMV website and look for the "explore for a Permit or License" option. You will need to create an account, answer questions about your driving history and medical conditions, and upload clear photos of your documents. The system will tell you which DMV offices near you have appointment slots available.
What happens after you pass
If you pass the vision screening and written test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the same day. You will receive a temporary paper permit that you can use when ready while your plastic card is being made. The plastic permit will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.
Your learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless the adult with you is a parent, guardian, or spouse. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months and completed at least 50 hours of driving practice (10 of those at night), you can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test. Passing that test leads to a provisional license if you are under 18, or a full driver's license if you are 18 or older.
If you do not pass the test
If you fail the written test, you can take it again as soon as you want — there is no waiting period. However, you will need to pay the process fee again each time you take the test. Many people fail on their first try, so this is normal. The DMV office can tell you which questions you missed, and you can study those topics in the California Driver Handbook before your next attempt.
If you fail the vision screening, you may need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription. Bring your new glasses or contacts to the DMV when you return. Some vision problems can disqualify you from driving, but the DMV will explain what options you have if that is the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring documentation of your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The DMV accepts both equally.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Japanese, and several other languages. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive, and they will provide the test in that language.
What if my documents have my old name on them?
Bring both your old document and a new one showing your current name, or bring a legal name change document such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DMV needs to see proof that the name on your identity document matches your current legal name.
How many times can I take the written test before I have to wait?
California does not limit how many times you can take the written test. You can retake it as many times as you need, but you will pay the process fee each time. There is no waiting period between attempts.
Can I get a learner's permit if I have been in a car accident?
Yes. A past accident does not disqualify you from getting a learner's permit. The DMV only cares about your age, residency, and whether you pass the vision and written tests. Your driving history does not affect your ability to get a permit.