What you need to do to get a California driver's license under 18
California requires you to get a learner's permit first, then hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. You cannot skip the permit stage. The process has three parts: pass the written test at the DMV, practice driving with a licensed adult, and then pass the behind-the-wheel test.
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a learner's permit. Once you have the permit and have held it for six months, you can take the driving test. You do not need to be a certain age for the full license — the six-month waiting period is the main requirement.
The entire process usually takes between six months and a year, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how much you practice. Most people take longer than six months because they need time to find a testing appointment and feel ready for the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must get a learner's permit first by passing a written test at the DMV, and you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
- You must hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
- While you have your learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old sitting next to you.
- You will need to bring your birth certificate, proof of California residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the DMV.
- The driving test costs money, and fees vary depending on whether you pass on your first try or need to retake it.
Getting your learner's permit at the DMV
Visit your local DMV office with the documents listed below. You cannot get a permit by mail or online — you must go in person. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, a document showing your California address (like a utility bill or lease with a parent's name), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you applied.
At the DMV, you will take a written test covering California traffic laws and road signs. The test has 46 questions, and you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass. You can study for free using the California DMV handbook, which is available online and in print at any DMV office. Many people study the handbook for one to two weeks before taking the test.
If you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit on the same day. The permit costs money — the exact fee changes yearly, so ask at your local DMV or check the California DMV website for the current price. Your permit is valid for 12 months.
Practicing with your learner's permit
Once you have your permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult at least 25 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat next to you. This person must have a valid driver's license from any state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only younger passengers in the car.
You must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During this time, practice as much as you can. There is no minimum number of hours required by law, but the California DMV recommends at least 50 hours of practice, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Most driving schools recommend 100 hours of practice total.
Practice in different conditions — residential streets, highways, heavy traffic, and night driving. The more varied your practice, the more prepared you will be for the test. Many people practice for several months before they feel ready.
Taking the driving test
After you have held your permit for six months, you can schedule your driving test at the DMV. You can book online through the California DMV website, by phone, or in person at your local office. Testing appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access.
On test day, bring your learner's permit, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You must also bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. A licensed adult at least 25 years old must drive the car to the DMV with you.
The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping at traffic lights, and merging. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving. If you pass, you will receive your full driver's license on the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least two weeks before scheduling another appointment.
Documents you will need
| Document | When you need it | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Learner's permit and driving test | Birth certificate, passport, or consular ID |
| Proof of California residency | Learner's permit and driving test | Utility bill, lease, school enrollment letter, or bank statement with your name and address |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Learner's permit and driving test | Your number, or a letter from Social Security if you applied but have not received a number yet |
| Vehicle registration and insurance | Driving test only | Current registration and proof of insurance for the car you will drive during the test |
Costs and fees
The learner's permit and driver's license each have separate fees. The permit fee covers the written test, and the license fee covers the driving test. Both fees change yearly. Check the California DMV website or call your local office for the current amounts. If you fail the driving test and retake it, you will pay the driving test fee again.
Some people choose to take a driver's education course, which is not required but can help you prepare. These courses are offered by private driving schools and cost between $300 and $800 depending on the school and what is included. A course typically includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel lessons with a professional instructor.
What happens if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it. You must wait at least two weeks before scheduling your next appointment. You can take the test as many times as you need, but you will pay the test fee each time. Your learner's permit remains valid while you retake the test, as long as the permit has not expired.
If your permit expires before you pass the driving test, you will need to renew it or get a new one. You can renew by taking the written test again at the DMV. Many people take the driving test multiple times before passing, so do not feel discouraged if you do not pass on your first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license before I turn 16?
No. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a learner's permit, and you must hold it for at least six months before taking the driving test. This means you cannot get your full license until you are at least 16 years old.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing that you applied for a number. You can request this letter online or by calling Social Security. If you have an ITIN instead, bring that document.
Can I practice driving with my parent in the car even if they are under 25?
No. Your supervising driver must be at least 25 years old and have a valid driver's license. This is a legal requirement in California.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?
You receive your license on the same day you pass the driving test. The DMV will issue it to you before you leave the office.
What if I move to a different state after I get my California license?
Your California license remains valid in other states. You do not need to get a new license unless you become a resident of another state, which usually means living there for more than 30 days.