The basic path: what you need before you start
To get a California driver's license, you will visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes several weeks from your first visit to your final license in the mail. You cannot do this entirely online — you must appear in person at a DMV office for the tests and to have your photo taken.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign a form at the DMV office. Bring originals, not copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies of most documents.
The fee for a driver's license is $39 if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the fee is $29. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person to take the written and driving tests and have your photo taken — no part of this can be done online.
- Bring original documents proving your identity, California residency, and Social Security number; photocopies will not be accepted.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test in your own vehicle or the DMV's test vehicle.
- After you pass both tests, your license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks; you can request a temporary paper license at the office.
Getting your learner's permit first
If you are a new driver, California requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. You get the learner's permit by passing the written test at the DMV. This written test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the DMV's free handbook, which is available on the DMV website or in print at any DMV office.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. If you are under 18, there are additional restrictions: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Once you have held your learner's permit for six months (or three months if you are 18 or older), you can schedule your driving test. You do not need to take the written test again.
Scheduling your DMV appointment
You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Scheduling online is usually faster. You will choose your local DMV office, the type of test you need (written, driving, or both), and your preferred date and time. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, so schedule as early as you can.
If you cannot find an appointment near you, you can visit a DMV office without an appointment, but you will wait in line and may not be seen the same day. Some offices have walk-in hours; check the DMV website for your local office's schedule.
Bring your appointment confirmation number or email with you to the DMV office. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online or by phone without penalty.
What happens at your written test
The written test has 36 questions about California traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. You can request a test in your language when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the DMV office.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the DMV's free handbook, which is available online at dmv.ca.gov or in print. The handbook is the only official study material the DMV publishes, and the test questions come directly from it.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test.
What happens at your driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on local streets. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. They are testing whether you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
You can use your own vehicle or request to use the DMV's test vehicle. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after two weeks. You do not need to retake the written test. Each retake has the same $39 fee (or $29 if you are under 18).
After you pass: getting your physical license
Once you pass both the written and driving tests, the DMV will take your photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office. It usually arrives within two to three weeks. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address on the DMV website or at an office, and the license will be forwarded to your new address.
Your California driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 70 years old. You will need to renew it after that time.
Costs and what affects the total price
The base fee for a driver's license is $39 if you are 18 or older, or $29 if you are under 18. If you need to retake the written test or driving test, each retake costs the same amount. If you request a duplicate license or a replacement, that costs $20.
Some DMV offices charge an additional service fee of $1 to $3 for using certain payment methods or services, but this varies by location. The DMV website for your local office will show the exact fees before you schedule.
If you are a low-income resident of California, you may be able to get a fee reduction or waiver. Ask at the DMV office about the Low Income Identification (LIID) program, which reduces the fee to $13 for a driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written test in more than 30 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and Arabic. Request your language when you schedule your appointment or tell the staff when you arrive at the office.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after two weeks. You do not need to retake the written test. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test. You can schedule your retake online or by phone.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
No. You can use the DMV's test vehicle if you do not have your own car. However, if you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that is valid for 60 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive after three weeks, contact the DMV to check the status.
What if I move before my license arrives?
Update your address on the DMV website or at a DMV office, and your license will be forwarded to your new address. You can also request a replacement license with your new address, which costs $20.