Where to get your Auburn driver license

Auburn has one Department of Motor Vehicles office that handles driver licenses. It is located at 915 East Main Street, Auburn, California 95603. This is the office where you will take your written test, vision test, and driving test, and where you will receive your license once you pass.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary by season. Call ahead at the Auburn DMV office to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing and schedules can change.

The DMV also offers some services online through the California DMV website, such as renewing a license you already hold or changing your address. However, if you are getting a driver license for the first time, you must visit the office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Auburn DMV office is at 915 East Main Street and is the only location in Auburn where you can take your driving test and receive a new license.
  • You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease, and a Social Security number or ITIN to explore.
  • California requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license; you can take the written test on the same day you explore.
  • The driving test must be scheduled in advance, and wait times for test appointments vary depending on how busy the Auburn office is at that time.
  • If you have a learner's permit already, you can use it to practice driving before you take your test, and you must have someone 25 or older in the car with you.

Documents you need to bring

California requires you to bring specific documents when you explore for a driver license. You will need proof of identity, such as a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. You will also need proof that you live in California, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document must be recent — usually from the last two months.

You must also provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the document that shows your number, such as a Social Security card or a tax return.

If you are under 18, you will also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. The DMV office in Auburn can provide this form, or you can read it from the California DMV website before you arrive.

The written test and what it covers

The written test in California covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 36 multiple-choice questions, and you must get at least 30 correct to pass. The test is based on the California Driver Handbook, which is free and available online or at the Auburn DMV office.

You can take the written test on the same day you explore for your license. Many people study the handbook for a few days or a week before they go to the DMV. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others — ask the staff at the Auburn office which languages are available.

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a fee each time you take the test.

Scheduling and taking your driving test

After you pass the written test, you will need to schedule a driving test. You cannot take the driving test on the same day as your written test — it must be scheduled for a later date. You can schedule it at the Auburn office when you pass your written test, or you can schedule it online through the California DMV website.

The driving test takes about 20 minutes. You will drive on local streets with a DMV examiner in the car. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving habits.

Wait times for driving test appointments in Auburn vary. During busy months, you may have to wait several weeks for an appointment. During slower months, you might get an appointment within a few days. Call the Auburn DMV office to ask how long the current wait is before you schedule.

Getting your learner's permit first

If you are under 18, California requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take your driving test. If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit — you can go straight to the driving test after you pass the written test.

A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed driver who is 25 or older in the car with you. You cannot drive alone. The permit is valid for 12 months, so if you do not take your driving test within that time, you will need to renew it.

To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and pay a fee at the Auburn DMV office. The fee varies, so ask the staff what it costs when you visit. Once you have your permit, you can practice driving and then schedule your driving test when you feel ready.

Fees and what to expect to pay

California charges fees for driver licenses and learner's permits. The fee for a driver license depends on how long the license is valid — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The fee for a learner's permit is separate and lower than the fee for a license.

You will also pay a fee each time you take the written test or the driving test if you do not pass on your first attempt. The Auburn DMV office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit cards. Ask the staff what the current fees are when you call or visit, since fees can change.

If you are a low-income resident of California, you may be able to get a fee reduction. Ask the staff at the Auburn office whether you meet the income requirements.

What happens after you pass your driving test

Once you pass your driving test, the examiner will tell you that you have passed. You will then go back inside the Auburn DMV office to complete the final paperwork and pay any remaining fees. Your driver license will be printed on the spot, and you will receive it before you leave the office.

Your new license will be valid for four or eight years, depending on which type you chose. The expiration date will be printed on the front of the card. You can use your license to drive anywhere in the United States and to prove your identity.

If you need to renew your license before it expires, you can do so online, by mail, or in person at the Auburn DMV office. The process is simpler than getting your first license and does not require you to take another driving test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test in a car I do not own?

Yes. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins. You can use a friend's or family member's car, a rental car, or a car from a driving school.

What if I fail my driving test?

You can retake it as soon as the Auburn DMV office has an opening, which may be days or weeks later depending on how busy they are. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay a fee each time you take the test.

Do I need to make an appointment to explore for my license?

You do not need an appointment to take the written test and explore for your license at the Auburn office. However, you should call ahead to ask how busy they are, since wait times can be long during peak hours or seasons.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Once you pass your driving test, you receive your permanent license printed at the Auburn DMV office the same day. California does not issue temporary licenses — your permanent license is ready before you leave.

What if I lose my license after I get it?

You can report it lost and get a replacement at the Auburn DMV office or online through the California DMV website. You will pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the fee for a new license. The replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license.