What you need to get a California learner's permit

A California learner's permit (also called a learner's license or instruction permit) lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone. To get one, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old, pass a written knowledge test at the DMV, and bring proof of identity, California residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the DMV's free handbook, available online or in print at any DMV office. The test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass. You get one free retake if you fail; after that, you pay $7 per retake.

Your learner's permit is valid for 12 months from the date you receive it. If it expires before you pass your driving test and get your provisional license, you will need to retake the written test and pay the fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and bring a valid ID, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the DMV.
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and road signs; you need 39 correct answers out of 46 questions to pass.
  • You can study for free using the DMV's official handbook, available online at dmv.ca.gov or in print at any DMV office.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 25 or older in the front passenger seat at all times.
  • Your permit is valid for 12 months; if it expires before you pass your driving test, you must retake the written test and pay the fee again.

Documents to bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or travel document. You also need one document showing your California address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days works.

Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. You will also need to fill out the process for a Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 44) before you arrive or at the DMV office.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process and verify your identity and residency. Some DMV offices allow you to submit a notarized consent form instead if a parent cannot attend, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

Visit dmv.ca.gov and click "Make an Appointment" to book a time slot. You can also call 1-800-777-0133. Appointments are free and usually available within one to three weeks, depending on your location. Walk-ins are accepted but often mean longer wait times.

When you book, select "Learner's Permit" as your transaction type. The DMV will ask for your name, date of birth, and the county where you want to test. Choose the office closest to you. Bring your confirmation number or appointment confirmation email to the DMV.

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 happens at your DMV appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. A DMV staff member will check your paperwork, take your photo, and collect your fee. The current fee for a learner's permit is $35 for a four-year permit or $28 for a two-year permit; you choose which length when you explore. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card.

After your paperwork is processed, you will go to a testing station and take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You will see your score when ready. If you pass, you receive your learner's permit on the spot — usually a paper temporary permit valid for 60 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day for free, or schedule another appointment.

Your plastic learner's permit arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary paper permit is valid until it arrives, so you can start driving with a licensed adult right away.

Restrictions that explore with a learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver age 25 or older sitting in the front passenger seat at all times. That driver must hold a valid driver license and be awake and able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, even for a short distance.

You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver age 25 or older is in the front seat. You must obey all traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs. Violations while driving on a learner's permit can delay your path to a provisional license and may result in fines.

You must wear a seatbelt, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. You cannot use a cell phone or any handheld device while driving, even at a red light. These rules exist to keep you and others safe while you are learning.

When you are ready to take your driving test

After you have had your learner's permit for at least six months, you can schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. You must be at least 16 years old. The test costs $35 and takes about 20 minutes. You drive with a DMV examiner who watches your ability to start the car, turn, stop, park, and follow traffic laws.

To schedule your driving test, go to dmv.ca.gov or call 1-800-777-0133. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can retake the test after two weeks.

If you pass your driving test, you receive a provisional license valid until age 18. A provisional license has stricter rules than a full license — for example, you cannot drive with passengers under 20 unless a parent or guardian is in the car, and you still cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless supervised. At age 18, your provisional license converts to a full driver license.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it the same day for free. Many people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the questions they missed. The DMV will show you which topics gave you trouble so you can study those sections of the handbook before retesting.

If you fail twice in one visit, you must schedule another appointment. After your first free retake, each additional retake costs $7. You have one year from the date you first took the test to pass before your learner's permit expires and you must start over.

Study the DMV handbook thoroughly before your next attempt. Focus on the areas where you struggled. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online — the DMV website offers free practice tests that mirror the real exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I was not born in the United States?

Yes. You need a valid passport, travel document, or consular report of birth showing your identity and date of birth. You also need proof of California residency and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring the same documents as any other applicant, plus your immigration documents.

What if I lose my learner's permit before my driving test?

Go to the DMV with your ID and proof of residency. A replacement permit costs $7. You do not need to retake the written test. Bring your documents to any DMV office or schedule an appointment online.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. When you schedule your appointment, tell the DMV which language you need. You must request this when you book; you cannot change languages on the day of your test.

How long does it take to get my plastic learner's permit card in the mail?

The plastic card arrives within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper permit on the day you pass your test, and that paper permit is valid until your plastic card arrives. You can drive with the paper permit right away.

What happens if my learner's permit expires before I pass my driving test?

Your permit is valid for 12 months. If it expires, you must retake the written knowledge test and pay the $35 or $28 fee again. You do not lose any progress toward your driving test, but you cannot legally drive until you have a current permit.