What you need to do to get a California driver's permit
To get a California driver's permit, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You pay a fee (currently $35 for a permit valid for one year), pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and receive your permit the same day if you pass. The permit lets you drive only when a licensed adult 25 or older sits in the front passenger seat.
California issues two types of permits: a learner's permit (also called a provisional learner's permit) for drivers under 18, and a driver's permit for adults 18 and older. The rules, fees, and test content differ slightly between them. This guide covers both, but focuses on the adult permit since you're reading under the learner's permit category.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, state ID, or birth certificate plus government-issued photo ID) and proof you live in California to pass the DMV's identity check.
- The written test covers 46 traffic laws and road signs from the California Driver Handbook; you must answer at least 38 questions correctly to pass.
- A permit costs $35 and is valid for one year; you can renew it once without retesting if you haven't yet passed your driving test.
- You cannot legally drive alone with a permit—you must have a licensed driver 25 or older in the front passenger seat at all times.
- After you pass your permit test, you must wait at least six months (or until age 18.5 if you're under 18) before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test for your license.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
California requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number before you can take the permit test. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a valid foreign passport, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document. If you bring a birth certificate or foreign passport, you must also bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a school ID, military ID, or passport card). A California ID or license counts as proof of both identity and residency.
For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your California address. Accepted documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, vehicle registration, insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or a pay stub. A school enrollment letter or transcript also works. The document must show your name and current address.
Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible.
How to schedule your DMV appointment
You can schedule a DMV appointment online at dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Walk-ins are accepted at some DMV offices, but wait times are often long—scheduling ahead is faster. Online scheduling lets you choose your preferred office location and time slot.
When you schedule, select "Permit Test" as your transaction type. The DMV will ask for your name, date of birth, and driver's license number if you have one. You'll receive a confirmation number and appointment time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents.
If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours ahead. This frees the slot for someone else and avoids a no-show fee.
What the written permit test covers
The California permit test has 46 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly (about 83 percent) to pass. The test is offered in 32 languages.
The test draws from the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV publishes free online and in print at every DMV office. Topics include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle emergencies, and rules for sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists. You can study the handbook on your own, or use free practice tests on dmv.ca.gov.
You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The test is untimed, but most people finish in 10 to 20 minutes. You receive your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost at some offices, or schedule another appointment.
Permit fees and how long your permit lasts
A California driver's permit costs $35 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass your driving test within that year, you can renew your permit once for another year without retaking the written test. The renewal fee is also $35. After two years, you must retake the written test.
The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices accept checks. Ask when you schedule your appointment which payment methods that office takes.
Your permit expires on the date printed on the card. You cannot drive legally after that date, even if you have scheduled your driving test. Renew before the expiration date if you need more time to prepare.
Rules for driving with a California permit
A California driver's permit is not a license. It allows you to practice driving under specific conditions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. That driver is responsible for supervising you and can be held liable if you cause an accident.
You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 25 or older is with you. You must obey all traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs. Violating permit rules can result in a ticket and may delay your ability to take the driving test.
If you are under 18, additional rules explore: you cannot use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving (except to call 911), and you cannot have passengers under 20 unless a licensed driver 25 or older is also in the car.
What happens after you pass the permit test
After you pass the written test, the DMV issues your permit card on the spot. You can begin practicing when ready with a licensed supervisor in the front seat. You do not need to wait or schedule anything else at that moment.
If you are under 18, you must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you feel ready, though the DMV recommends at least 50 hours of practice (10 of them at night). The driving test costs $35 and includes a written portion and a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner.
If you fail the driving test, your permit remains valid. You can retake the test as many times as you need before your permit expires, paying the $35 fee each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. If your California license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain a permit until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out the status of your license and what you must do to restore it.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at some DMV offices, or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee for retaking. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the Driver Handbook again.
Do I need a permit if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to California without taking a permit test. You will need to pass a vision test and pay a transfer fee. Visit dmv.ca.gov for details on the transfer process.
Can I use my permit to drive for work or school?
A permit is for supervised practice only. You cannot use it to drive for employment, delivery, or rideshare. You must have a full driver's license to drive for work.
What if I lose my permit card?
Visit your local DMV office or order a replacement online at dmv.ca.gov. A replacement permit costs $7. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The replacement card arrives by mail in about two weeks.