What you need to do to get a California learner's permit
To get a California learner's permit, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. You cannot do this online or by mail. The whole process takes one visit if you bring the right documents and pass the test on your first try; if you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back later.
California issues two types of learner's permits: one for drivers 15½ to 17 years old (called an instruction permit) and one for drivers 18 and older (called a provisional instruction permit). The rules and test content differ slightly between them. This guide covers both, but focuses on the instruction permit since most readers will be under 18.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the DMV office.
- The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs and has 46 questions; you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass.
- The fee for an instruction permit is $35 for applicants under 18 and $30 for applicants 18 and older, paid at the DMV office when you pass the test.
- Your instruction permit is valid for 12 months and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat next to you.
- You cannot get a permit if you have an active suspension, revocation, or denial on your driving record in California or any other state.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a military ID card. A school ID, library card, or expired document will not work.
You also need proof that you live in California. Bring one document showing your name and current California address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance policy, bank statement, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at your California address works if it comes from a government agency, court, or financial institution.
Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will need to provide this in person at the DMV; they will not accept it by phone or mail. If you do not have either number, you can still get a permit, but the DMV will assign you a California driver number instead.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The DMV will give you a written test with 46 multiple-choice questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to finish. The test is offered in English and 32 other languages; ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.
You must answer at least 38 questions correctly (about 83 percent) to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, when you must use your headlights, how to handle a skid, and what to do at a red light when you want to turn right. You can study using the official California Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at every DMV office.
If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before the DMV will issue your permit.
How to schedule your DMV visit and what to expect
You can schedule an appointment online at the California DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at most DMV offices, but appointment holders are usually seen first. If you walk in, arrive early because wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
When you arrive, bring all your documents and be ready to have your photo taken. The DMV will verify your identity and residency, check your driving record to make sure you do not have an active suspension or denial, and then direct you to take the written test. After you pass, you will pay the fee and receive your instruction permit on the spot. The permit is a paper document that you must carry with you whenever you drive.
Rules for driving with your instruction permit
An instruction permit allows you to practice driving, but with restrictions. You must have a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That adult must have a valid driver's license and be awake and able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have another learner's permit holder in the car with you as the only other licensed driver.
If you are under 18, you also cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and you have a signed note from a parent or employer explaining the reason. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. If you are stopped by a police officer, show your instruction permit and the adult's driver's license. Driving with an expired permit or without a licensed adult in the front seat is illegal and can result in a citation.
When you are ready to take the driving test
You must hold your instruction permit for at least six months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test, unless you completed a California-approved driver education course, in which case you can take it after five months and 14 days. The driving test is separate from the written test and must be scheduled at a DMV office.
To schedule the driving test, go online or call the DMV. You will need to bring your instruction permit, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be safe, legal, and in working condition. A DMV examiner will ride with you and score your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.
What happens if you fail the written test or cannot pass it
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the same DMV office at no extra cost. Many people pass on their second or third try. If you are struggling, the California Driver Handbook is free and available online; you can also find practice tests on the DMV website.
If you have a disability that makes reading or taking a written test difficult, the DMV offers accommodations. You can request a test in a different language, a large-print version, or an oral test read aloud by a DMV employee. Call your local DMV office or the main DMV line to ask about accommodations before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I have been suspended or denied in another state?
No. The DMV checks your driving record in California and all other states before issuing a permit. If you have an active suspension, revocation, or denial anywhere, you cannot get a California permit until that status is cleared in the other state.
What if I lose my instruction permit before I take the driving test?
Go to the DMV with your identity and residency documents and pay a replacement fee of $7. They will issue a new permit on the spot. You do not have to retake the written test.
Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, bring your identity and residency documents to the DMV. They will assign you a California driver number instead, and you can still get your permit.
Do I have to take a driver education course before I get my permit?
No, it is not required to get the permit. However, if you complete a California-approved course before you take the driving test, you can take the test one month earlier than the standard six-month waiting period.
What if I am 18 or older — are the rules different?
Yes. If you are 18 or older, you get a provisional instruction permit instead of an instruction permit. The written test is the same, but you do not have the nighttime driving restriction. You still need a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat, and you still must hold the permit for six months before taking the driving test.