Earn a Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License

Step5: When applying for a provisional permit, you will need the following:

• Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age.
• Make an appointment before visiting a DMV office (walk-ins are only accepted at our Driver License Processing Centers).
• Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44) Pick one up from the DMV of choice or Fill out or bring a completed DL44 application and have both parents sign it (available at DMV offices or complete the electronic DL44 application online ahead of time).
• The DMV will be to access your completed online form from their computers. An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.
• Have your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the application form DL 44.
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your Identity (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your Identity document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information.
• Present your acceptable residency document if you have never had a California driver license or California identification card.
• Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes (See below for details.)
• Give a fingerprint.
• Pay the application fee. (This fee entitles you to three tests of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
• Pass a vision exam.
• Give your fingerprint again, provide your signature (that will appear on the driver license), and have your picture taken.
• Pass a knowledge test. 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.
• If applying for a REAL ID provisional permit and are under 18, you must provide proof of your Identity, SSN, and residency from the list of acceptable REAL ID document options.
• Original recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage bill, deed to a residential real property, or other documents which show not only the name of the parent or student but also the current address are required. Two (2) acceptable proof of residency documents must be presented to the DMV.

Note: To allow you sufficient time for testing, DMV will not be administering knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m.

Remember once you complete our program you have access to our free DMV Practice Permit Tests

Besides access to our free tests you can go to this DMV link for DMV Sample Practice Tests (Regular Driver – Class C). The practice tests are also available in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL).

STEPS TO YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE

Once the student has completed the 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a DMV approved driving school and received their Certificate of Completion of Behind-the-Wheel Training (DL 400D) arrange to take the DMV drive test 6 months and 1 day from the date you received the permit, known as your date of issue. Go online to the DMV website www.dmv.ca.gov to schedule 90 days in advance of your preferred drive test time or call the DMV to make an appointment.

(Drive tests are not given without an appointment.) Time slots fill fast, so start early! Check the DMV offices in your area that may be able to provide you with the preferred day and time for the drive test.

The DMV phone number is 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.

To be eligible to take your drive test you must:

• Be 16 years of age
• Be in possession of your permit for a minimum of six months
• Successfully complete driver education
• Completed 6 hours of driver training with a DMV licensed driving School (DL 400D)
• Completed 50 hours of practice with an adult, licensed driver 25 years or older.
• They are to certify that the 50 hours has been completed.
• At least 10 of the 50 hours must be night driving.

Show proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in. When you pass the drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days. You will receive your new photo license in the mail.

Check your address before you leave DMV. Tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. Call 1-(916) 657-7790 or 1-(800) -777-0133 and they can check on your license status for you if you have not received your license after 60 days, have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass. If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a To Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools form DL 33 completed by the out-of-state school, or a letter on the out-of-state school’s stationary signed by a school official stating that the courses are equivalent to California’s requirements. Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable. With the proper attitude and willingness to learn safe driving behaviors a student can become a safe driver which is a skill you will use all your life.

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