Discover the path from learner’s permit to licensed driver and beyond.
1. Requirements & Restrictions
You need to be 15 ½ but under 18 years of age to apply for a learner’s permit. Learn more about age requirements and restrictions.
2. Study for Your Permit
You’ll be driving in no time! To make sure you’re prepared for a safe journey behind the wheel, here are some helpful resources: CA Driver Handbook, Practice Tests, y Safe Driver Checklist.
3. Take Driver’s Education
Before you get your permit, you must complete classroom-based/online driver’s education and receive a certificate of completion. Bring your certificate with you when you go to DMV.
4. Apply for Your License
To get a learner’s permit, start a driver’s license application online.
Important You will need your own cuenta MyDMV with your name, email, and personal information.
Parents or guardians will also need their own MyDMV account to approve your application.
5. Make Your Appointment
After you fill out your application and your parents or guardians submit their approval, you will be prompted to schedule your appointment y upload your documents to make your in-person visit seamless. Be sure to bring these documents with you when you go to DMV.
You will receive email updates, and you can check your application at any time by logging in to your MyDMV account.
6. Go to the Office
During your office visit, you will: show your documents to the technician for review, pay your application fee, take a vision exam, take a photo, and take your written test.
Note A parent or guardian will need to be with you for your appointment.
7. Take the Written Test
During your office visit, you will also take a written test, which shows your understanding of traffic laws and safety.
Note If you do not pass on your first attempt, that’s ok:
Waiting period: 8 days before retaking the test.
Number of attempts: 3 attempts to pass your written test before you have to reapply.
8. Practice Driving
You got your permit! Now you can practice.
Total Practice: 50 hours – supervised by a licensed adult 25+ years old.
Night Practice: 10 hours of the 50 total.
Professional Training: 6 hours of instruction from a licensed driving school.
Permit Duration: Must hold a permit for at least 6 months before you can take your driving test. Permits are good for up to one year from the application date.
Don’t forget to track your hours (PDF).
9. Take Your Drive Test
(PDF)
Once you finish your practice hours y complete the 6-month waiting period, you’ll take your driving test. Good luck! Review these tips (PDF) to prepare.
Note If you do not pass on your first attempt, that’s ok:
Waiting period: 15 days before retaking the test.
Number of attempts: 3 attempts to pass your behind-the-wheel test before you have to reapply. There is a $9 retake fee.
10. Get Your License
Once you pass your behind-the-wheel test, you will receive a temporary paper license. Your card will come in the mail shortly. Check processing times for most up to date information.
When you are under 18 years old, you are considered a provisional driver for the first year.
11. Provisional Restrictions
Provisional drivers cannot drive:
- Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- With passengers under 20 years old, unless a 25+ year-old licensed driver rides with you.
For all restrictions and details, read Minor Restrictions and Exceptions.
12. You and DMV
Congratulations! From now on, most of your DMV business can be done online with your MyDMV account – just add your DL# to your MyDMV profile.
Siguientes pasos para los nuevos conductores
Congratulations on becoming a licensed California driver!
Here are a few tips to make sure it’s a smooth road ahead:
– Siempre siga las reglas y leyes viales que acaba de aprender
– Maneje de manera segura y a la defensiva
– No mande mensajes de texto mientras maneja
– No maneje tomado
– Si tiene un vehículo, renueve la matrícula cada año
– Mantenga al corriente las certificaciones de emisiones contaminantes (smog)
– Renueve su licencia de manejar cada 5 años
Now that you have a MyDMV account, you will be able to start and/or complete most of your business online and on your mobile device.
Buying Your First Car
Know your rights and responsibilities before buying a vehicle and learn what you can do to protect yourself before signing a contract.
Registering Your Car
Los pasos a seguir para matricular su vehículo and the steps to get it done depends on how/where you purchase it.
Replacing a Lost License
If your license is lost, damaged or stolen, apply for a replacement card. You can convert to a REAL ID if you don’t have one yet.
Renovar su matrícula vehicular
Necesita renovar su tarjeta de matrícula vehicular card and sticker once a year. Keep your registration current to avoid late fees and suspensions.
