How to Get Your California DMV Learner's Permit

What you need to bring to the DMV for a learner's permit

California requires you to bring six documents to the DMV to get a learner's permit: proof of identity, proof of California residency, proof of your Social Security number, a completed DL 44 form (the process), proof of your legal presence in the U.S., and payment for the fee (currently $35 for a permit, though this can change). You do not need to bring a birth certificate unless it is your only proof of identity.

Proof of identity can be a valid passport, a state ID, a school ID with a photo, or a work ID. Proof of residency must show your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. The DMV office will have DL 44 forms available, but you can also fill one out at home and bring it completed.

Proof of legal presence means a U.S. birth certificate, a valid passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to get a permit under California's AB 60 law, which allows you to use a consular ID or passport from your home country instead. Bring whatever documents match your situation.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a California learner's permit, and you need a parent or guardian to sign your process if you are under 18.
Bring six documents to the DMV: proof of identity, proof of California residency, proof of your Social Security number, a completed DL 44 form, proof of legal presence, and the permit fee.
The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs; you must answer at least 38 out of 46 questions correctly to pass.
A learner's 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 can hold a learner's permit for as long as you need before taking the driving test for a full license, but you must renew it if it expires.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a learner's permit in California. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your DL 44 process. The DMV will not issue a permit without that signature, so bring the parent or guardian with you to the appointment, or have them sign the form before you go.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent. You can explore on your own and sign the process yourself. The age requirement is the same whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or someone getting a permit under AB 60.

The written test: what it covers and how to pass

The California learner's permit test is a written exam with 46 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly to pass — that is about 83 percent. The test is based on the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office.

Questions cover topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tagalog. If English is not your first language, ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.

You get one attempt per visit. If you do not pass, you can schedule another appointment and try again. Many people study the Driver Handbook for a few days before the test and do well. The DMV also offers free practice tests on its website.

How long a learner's permit lasts and when to renew

A California learner's permit is valid for 12 months from the date the DMV issues it. After 12 months, it expires and you cannot legally drive with it. If you have not yet taken your driving test for a full license, you will need to renew the permit before you can continue practicing.

To renew, go back to the DMV with your expired permit, proof of residency, and the renewal fee (currently $35, though this can change). You do not have to take the written test again — renewal is simpler than the first permit. However, if your permit has been expired for more than a few months, the DMV may require you to retake the written test. Call your local DMV office to ask about their specific rules before you go.

You can hold a learner's permit for as long as you need. There is no rule that says you must get your full license by a certain age or after a certain amount of time with the permit. Some people hold a permit for several years before taking the driving test.

Restrictions on what you can do with a learner's permit

With a California learner's permit, you can drive only during daylight hours and only with a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old sitting in the front seat next to you. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive at night, even if you are with a licensed adult.

You also cannot use a cell phone or any handheld device while driving, even to look at a map or text message. This rule applies to all drivers under 18, but it is especially important to follow with a permit because breaking it can result in a fine and may affect your ability to get a full license.

These restrictions are part of California's Graduated Driver License (GDL) system, which is designed to give new drivers time to practice in lower-risk situations before they drive alone. Once you pass your driving test and get a full license, the restrictions change — you can drive alone and at night, though drivers under 18 still cannot use handheld devices.

Where to go and how to schedule a DMV appointment

You can get a learner's permit at any California DMV office. To find the office nearest you, go to the California DMV website and use their office locator tool. You can also call 1-800-777-0133 to find an office or ask questions about what documents you need.

You must schedule an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DMV offices. You can schedule online through the DMV website, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at a DMV office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you are ready to take the test.

Bring all six required documents to your appointment. If you are missing even one, the DMV will not issue the permit and you will have to schedule another appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, bring the correct fee in cash or card, and be prepared to take the written test on the same day.

AB 60 permits for people without legal presence

California's AB 60 law allows people who do not have legal presence in the U.S. to get a driver's license or learner's permit. You do not need a Social Security number, a birth certificate, or proof of legal presence. Instead, you can use a consular ID (an ID issued by your home country's consulate in California) or a valid passport from your home country.

The process is the same as for any other permit: bring your consular ID or passport, proof of California residency, a completed DL 44 form, and the fee. You still have to pass the written test and follow all the same rules as any other permit holder. The permit itself looks the same and works the same way — it is valid for 12 months and requires a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat.

If you are interested in an AB 60 permit, ask the DMV staff when you call to schedule your appointment. They can tell you exactly which documents your consulate issues and whether the DMV office near you handles AB 60 applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. California offers the learner's permit test in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and several other languages. Call your local DMV office or check the website to see which languages are available at the office where you have your appointment scheduled.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can schedule another appointment and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people study the California Driver Handbook for a few days and pass on the second or third attempt. You will have to pay the permit fee again for each new appointment.

Can I drive on the freeway with a learner's permit?

Yes, but only with a licensed adult 25 or older in the front seat next to you, and only during daylight hours. Some driving schools recommend that new permit holders practice on local streets first before trying the freeway, but there is no rule that says you have to.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit requires only the written test about traffic laws and road signs. The driving test (the behind-the-wheel test) comes later, when you are ready to get a full driver's license. You must have held a permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

What if I move out of California while I have a learner's permit?

Your California permit is no longer valid once you move to another state. You will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Some states recognize out-of-state permits for a short time, but California's does not transfer. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents you need.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.