Earn a Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License – North County School Of Driving

Earn a Learner's Permit and Driver's License

North County School of Driving

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Driving Freedom

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting milestone! Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in earning your learner’s permit and driver’s license in California

Complete Driver's Education

Speed Limits:

You can fulfill this requirement through a DMV-approved online driver's education course (like the one offered by North County School of Driving!) or a traditional classroom course.

What You'll Learn:

Driver's education teaches you the rules of the road, safe driving attitudes, and important safe driving skills.

Ready to take our online driver's ed course?

Apply for Your Learner's Permit

Visit the DMV:

Once you've completed your driver's education, visit your local DMV driving test office to apply for your learner's permit. Make an appointment before visiting a DMV driving test office (walk-ins are only accepted at Driver License Processing Centers).

What to Bring:

Completed Driver’s License or Identification Card Application (DL 44). You can pick one up from the DMV driving test of your choice, or you can fill out or bring a completed DL 44 application and have both parents sign it (available at DMV driving test offices, or you can complete the electronic DL 44 application online ahead of time).

Your original birth certificate or passport

Your Social Security number (it will be verified with the Social Security Administration).

Proof of residency (two documents) – An original recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage bill, deed to a residential real property, or other documents that show the name of the parent or student and the current address are required.

Certificate of Completion from your driver’s education course

Application fee ($35)

Tests and Requirements:

Vision exam

Written knowledge test (based on the California Driver Handbook) – There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 38 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Thumbprint

Photograph

If you are under 18 and applying for a REAL ID provisional permit, you must provide proof of your identity, SSN, and residency from the list of acceptable REAL ID document options.

Important Notes:

DL 44 Form:

The DMV can access your completed online form from its computers. An original DL 44 form must be submitted; copies will not be accepted.

Name Change:

If your current name no longer matches the name on your identity document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" on the DMV driving test website for more information.

Residency Document:

Present your acceptable residency document if you have never had a California driver's license or California identification card.

Application Fee:

This fee entitles you to three tests of any type within a 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver's license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void, and all steps must be completed again.

Knowledge Test Timing:

The DMV driving test will not administer knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m. to allow you sufficient time for testing.

Practice Driving

Supervised Driving:

After getting your permit, you can start practicing safe driving skills with a licensed adult at least 25 years old and a valid California driver's license. This person will need to certify the required practice hours.

Practice Hours:

California requires you to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night. You must practice for 6 months before taking the DMV driving test.

Take Behind-the-Wheel Driving Lessons (for those under 17 1/2)

Professional Instruction:

Enroll in a behind-the-wheel training program with a DMV-licensed driving school like North County School of Driving.

Required Hours:

California requires teens under 17 1/2 to complete 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel training.

Want to get behind the wheel with professional instruction?

Schedule Your DMV Driving Test

DMV Appointment:

Once you meet all the requirements (age, permit holding time, practice hours, and behind-the-wheel training), you can schedule your DMV driving test. You must schedule your driving test within 90 days of the desired test date. Your parent will need to sign the DL 44 form.

Pass Your Driving Test

What to Bring:

Your learner’s permit
Certificate of Completion of behind-the-wheel training (if applicable)
Vehicle registration
Proof of insurance
Accompanying licensed driver (at least 25 years old with a valid California driver’s license)
The parent who signed your DL 44 form must come with you to the DMV driving test.

During the Test:

The examiner will evaluate your safe driving skills and knowledge in various situations, including basic maneuvers, parking, and following traffic laws.

Get Your Driver's License!

Congratulations! Once you pass your DMV driving test, you’ll receive your California driver’s license.

Ready to Start Your Driving Journey?

What Our Students Say

Don't Just Take Our Word for It

My daughter just passed her driving exam on her first try thanks to Bruce!! Bruce had her prepared and calm. Thanks, Bruce!!! Great job, North County School of Driving!!!

Extremely helpful. I messed up on scheduling and the owner himself went out of his way to accommodate my son.

George passed his test with 2 small errors. The instructors really prepared him!!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Bruce was a very knowledgable instructor for my son. He was amazing – always polite and on time. The 6 hour behind the wheel training prepared him well for the test; passing with a high score (95%). Thanks!