What you need to do to get a California driver's permit
A California driver's permit (also called a learner's permit) is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your driving test. You get it from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by passing a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. The permit is not a full license — it comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive, and who must be in the vehicle with you.
The process takes one visit to a DMV office or an approved testing vendor. You bring documents proving your identity and California residency, pay a fee, take the written test, and walk out with your permit the same day if you pass. Most people pass on their first try if they study the California Driver Handbook beforehand.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a California driver's permit, and you need proof of identity, Social Security number, and California residency.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the California Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website.
- You pay a one-time fee at the DMV (the amount varies but is typically under $40 for a permit), and you receive your permit when ready after passing the test.
- With a permit, you must have a licensed driver age 25 or older in the front seat next to you, and you cannot drive alone or between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Your permit is valid for one year, and you can take your driving test anytime after you have held it for six months.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of California residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a tribal document. If you do not have a U.S. passport or birth certificate, you can use a combination of documents — the DMV website lists all acceptable combinations.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For California residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the residency document. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the process form (DL 44) before you go to the DMV.
Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have all the required documents, the DMV will not process your process that day, so check the DMV website or call your local office before you go.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The written test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 39 correctly to pass (about 85 percent). The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. All questions come directly from the California Driver Handbook, which is free to read from the DMV website or to pick up at any DMV office.
The test is given on a computer at the DMV, and you see your results when ready. If you pass, you get your permit on the spot. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day at most DMV offices, though some offices may charge an additional fee for a retest. Most people who study the handbook for a few hours pass on their first attempt.
You can take the test in English, Spanish, or several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, call your local DMV office ahead of time to make sure that language is available.
Age requirements and restrictions on your permit
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a California driver's permit. There is no upper age limit. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the process, and you will have additional driving restrictions beyond what adult permit holders face.
With a permit, you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 25 years old must be in the front seat next to you at all times. You also cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free). These restrictions stay in place for the entire time you hold the permit.
If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, the age 25 requirement for the supervising driver does not explore — any licensed driver can supervise you. You also do not have the 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. restriction. However, you still cannot drive alone.
The cost and how long your permit lasts
The fee for a California driver's permit is set by the state and does not vary by county or DMV office. As of 2024, the fee is $39 for a permit. You pay this fee once when you explore, and it covers the cost of the permit itself and the written test. If you fail the test and retake it the same day, some DMV offices charge an additional fee for the retest, though this varies by location.
Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You can take your driving test anytime after you have held the permit for six months. If your permit expires before you take the driving test, you must get a new permit and pay the fee again. If you pass the driving test before your permit expires, you move directly to a provisional license (if you are under 18) or a full license (if you are 18 or older).
When you can take your driving test
You must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. This waiting period is required by California law and cannot be waived. During those six months, you should practice driving with your supervising driver as much as possible — the more hours you log, the better prepared you will be for the test.
Once six months have passed, you can schedule your driving test through the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Tests are typically available within a few weeks, though wait times vary by location and season. You take the test at a DMV office with a DMV examiner, and you must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving during the test.
Where to get your permit and what to expect on the day
You get your permit at a DMV office or at an approved testing vendor. Most people go to a DMV office because they are widely available and the process is straightforward. You can find your nearest DMV office and check its hours on the DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or on a weekday (rather than Saturday) usually means shorter wait times.
Bring all your documents, the completed process form (DL 44), and payment for the fee. You will check in, have your documents reviewed, take the written test on a computer, and if you pass, receive your permit before you leave. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. California law requires a Social Security number to get a driver's permit. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a permit. This process can take several weeks.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again the same day at most DMV offices. There is no waiting period between attempts. Some offices charge an additional fee for a retest. Study the California Driver Handbook more thoroughly before your second attempt, focusing on the areas where you struggled.
Can I use my permit to drive to school or work?
If you are under 18, no — you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. You must have a licensed driver age 25 or older in the front seat. If you are 18 or older, you can drive to school or work as long as a licensed driver is with you.
What if I move to a different county after I get my permit?
Your permit is valid throughout California, so you do not need to do anything. You can take your driving test at any DMV office in the state, not just the one where you got your permit.
How many times can I retake the written test if I keep failing?
There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. However, each retest may have an additional fee. You must wait until your permit expires or is cancelled before you can explore for a new one if you have failed multiple times.