Steps to Get Your California Permit

A plain-English walkthrough of the California learner's permit process, from your first day of driver's ed to walking out of the DMV with a permit in hand.

Getting a California learner's permit involves a few required steps set by the DMV. Here is the order most teens and new drivers follow, and what to expect at each stage.

1Know the age requirements

• You can start a DMV-approved driver's education course at age 15.
• You can apply for a learner's permit starting at 15½, once you have your driver's ed certificate.
• Drivers 18 and older can skip driver's ed and apply for a permit directly.

2Complete a 30-hour driver's education course

If you're under 18, California requires a DMV-approved 30-hour driver's education course before you can apply for a permit. This can be done online or in a classroom. An online course, like DriveEdCA, lets you work through the material at your own pace on any device. When you finish and pass the final test, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion — you'll need to bring this with you to the DMV.

3Start your application and make a DMV appointment

You'll need your own MyDMV account to start a driver's license application online. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian will need their own MyDMV account to review and approve your application before your office visit. After that, you'll be prompted to schedule your DMV appointment and upload your documents.

4Gather your documents

• Your driver's education Certificate of Completion (if you're under 18)
• Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of California residency
• Your Social Security number, if eligible
• A parent or guardian's signature on your application, if you're under 18

5Visit the DMV

At your appointment, a DMV technician will review your documents, and you'll pay the application fee, take a vision exam, get your photo taken, and take the written knowledge test.

6Pass the written knowledge test

The test covers material from the California Driver Handbook — traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it after a short waiting period. Studying the handbook and taking practice quizzes ahead of time makes a real difference.

7Practice with your permit

Once you have your permit, you can start logging supervised practice hours with a licensed driver who is 25 or older. Teens under 18 also need six hours of professional training with a licensed driving instructor, and must hold the permit for at least six months before taking the behind-the-wheel driving test.

8Take the driving test

After you've met the practice-hour requirement and the minimum holding period, you can schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. Pass it, and you'll walk out with your license (a provisional license, if you're under 18).

Ready to start?

The first step for most teens is finishing the 30-hour driver's education course. DriveEdCA is a California DMV-approved online course built for how teens actually learn — work through it on any device, at your own pace, and we'll mail your certificate as soon as you pass.

Requirements can change, and every situation is a little different. Always confirm the current requirements and fees at dmv.ca.gov before your appointment.