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  • 15½Youngest age to applyp. 3
  • 3Tries to pass the knowledge testp. 5
  • 6 monthsBefore the drive test (under 18)p. 3
  • 50 hoursOf practice, 10 of them at nightp. 3

Step by step

  1. Under 18: start driver education

    Complete a driver education program before you apply. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)

  2. Get your documents ready

    You will need:

    • Proof of identity
    • Two proofs that you live in California (some exceptions apply)
    • A legal name document, if your name differs from your identity document
    • Your Social Security number (some exceptions apply)
    • Under 18: a parent or guardian to sign your application (both, if they share custody)

    (California Driver's Handbook, p. 2–3)

  3. Apply and pay the fee

    Fill in the Driver's License & ID Card Application and pay the application fee, which is not refunded. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 2)

  4. Pass the knowledge and vision tests

    The knowledge test is multiple choice, and no handbook or phone is allowed. Then you take a vision test. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 2, 5)

  5. Under 18: wait for driver training

    You can't use the permit until you begin behind-the-wheel training with an instructor, who validates it. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the California Department of Motor Vehicles website before you go.

Rules while you have a instruction permit

  • Practice with a California-licensed driver aged 25 or older (18 or older if you're an adult), sitting close enough to take control. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)
  • Under 18: practice at least 50 hours, 10 of them at night, before the drive test. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3)

If you don't pass

You get three tries at the knowledge test before you have to apply again. Under 18, you wait seven days after a failed try, not counting that day. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 5)

What comes next

Under 18, from age 16, after six months with the permit and both driver education and driver training, you can take the drive test. Your first license is provisional: for the first year, no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., and no passengers under 20 unless a licensed driver 25 or older rides with you. (California Driver's Handbook, p. 3–4)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free California practice exam: 46 questions, 38 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the California Driver's Handbook (Revised June 2025), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the California Department of Motor Vehicles before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 6 higher.