{"id":212543,"date":"2023-10-13T15:07:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T22:07:06","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:53:08","slug":"teen-drivers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/es\/teen-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Teen Driver Roadmap"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover the path from learner\u2019s permit to licensed driver and beyond.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Requirements & Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You need to be 15 \u00bd but under 18 years<\/strong> of age to apply for a learner’s permit. Learn more about age requirements and restrictions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2. Study for Your Permit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You’ll be driving in no time! To make sure you\u2019re prepared for a safe journey behind the wheel, here are some helpful resources<\/strong>: CA Driver Handbook<\/a>, Practice Tests<\/a>, y Safe Driver Checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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3. Take Driver’s Education
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Before you get your permit, you must complete classroom-based\/online driver\u2019s education<\/a><\/strong> and receive a certificate of completion. Bring your certificate with you when you go to DMV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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4. Apply for Your License<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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To get a learner’s permit<\/strong>, start a driver’s license application<\/a> online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important<\/span> You will need your own cuenta MyDMV<\/a> with your name, email, and personal information. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents or guardians will also need their own MyDMV account to approve your application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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5. Make Your Appointment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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After you fill out your application and your parents or guardians submit their approval, you will be prompted to schedule your appointment<\/strong> y upload your documents<\/strong> to make your in-person visit seamless. Be sure to bring these documents with you when you go to DMV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will receive email updates, and you can check your application at any time by logging in to your MyDMV account.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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6. Go to the Office<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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During your office visit, you will: show your documents <\/strong>to the technician for review, pay your application fee<\/strong>, take a vision exam<\/strong>, take a photo<\/strong>, and take your written test<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/span> A parent or guardian will need to be with you for your appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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7. Take the Written Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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During your office visit, you will also take a written test<\/strong>, which shows your understanding of traffic laws and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/span> If you do not pass on your first attempt, that’s ok:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waiting period:<\/strong> 8 days before retaking the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Number of attempts:<\/strong> 3 attempts to pass your written test before you have to reapply.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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8. Practice Driving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You got your permit<\/strong>! Now you can practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Total Practice:<\/strong> 50 hours – supervised by a licensed adult 25+ years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Night Practice:<\/strong> 10 hours of the 50 total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Training:<\/strong> 6 hours of instruction from a licensed driving school<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Permit Duration:<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget to track your hours (PDF)<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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9. Take Your Drive Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Once you finish your practice hours<\/strong> y complete the 6-month waiting period<\/strong>, you\u2019ll take your driving test. Good luck! Review these tips (PDF)<\/a> to prepare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note<\/span> If you do not pass on your first attempt, that’s ok:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waiting period:<\/strong> 15 days before retaking the test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Number of attempts:<\/strong> 3 attempts to pass your behind-the-wheel test before you have to reapply. There is a $9 retake fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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10. Get Your License<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Once you pass your behind-the-wheel test<\/strong>, you will receive a temporary paper license. Your card will come in the mail shortly. Check processing times<\/a> for most up to date information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you are under 18 years old, you are considered a provisional driver for the first year. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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11. Provisional Restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Provisional drivers cannot<\/strong> drive<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n