What you need to do to get your first California driver license
California requires you to pass a written test, a driving test, and a vision test before you receive your first driver license. You will also need to provide proof of identity, California residency, and your Social Security number. The process takes place at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and typically spans several weeks from start to finish, since you must wait at least one day after passing the written test before you can take the driving test.
You do not need to be a California citizen to get a license, but you must be a legal resident of the state. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months, complete a driver education course, and log supervised driving hours before you can test for a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate document), proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number before you visit the DMV.
- The written test covers California traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the DMV's free handbook or online practice tests on the DMV website.
- You must pass the written test before scheduling a driving test, and you must wait at least one day between the two tests.
- If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for six months, complete an approved driver education course, and log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before you can take the driving test.
- The total cost ranges from $33 to $64 depending on your age and whether you need a replacement or renewal, but does not include the cost of driver education courses for minors.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consulate document, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, school ID, employee ID, or utility bill in your name.
You also need proof that you live in California. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name plus a signed letter from that person confirming you live there.
Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this in writing at the DMV office.
The written test: what to study and how to prepare
The written test has 36 questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass. The DMV provides a free handbook called the "California Driver Handbook" on its website; you can read it online, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at any DMV office.
The DMV also offers free practice tests on its website. These tests use the same format and types of questions as the real test. Taking several practice tests before your appointment is the most direct way to prepare. You can take the written test in English or in one of several other languages; ask the DMV when you schedule your appointment.
You can take the written test at any DMV office. After you pass, you will receive a receipt. You must wait at least one day before you can schedule your driving test.
The driving test: what happens and what the examiner checks
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. You will drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some DMV offices have test vehicles available) while a DMV examiner sits in the passenger seat and observes. The examiner checks whether you can start the car, control speed and steering, stop smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic signs and signals. You will also perform specific maneuvers like backing up, turning around, and parking in a space.
You must bring your valid learner's permit (if you are under 18) or your written test receipt (if you are 18 or older) to the driving test. You also need proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use. Bring your vehicle registration and your driver's license or ID card.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment.
Rules for drivers under 18: learner's permit and supervised driving
If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test. You can then drive only when a licensed adult 25 or older is in the front passenger seat. You must hold this permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
During those six months, you must complete an approved driver education course. California requires at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training from a licensed driving school. Some high schools offer these courses; you can also find private driving schools through the DMV website.
You must also log 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including at least 10 hours at night. Keep a log of these hours; you will need to show it when you take your driving test. After you have met all three requirements (six months with the permit, completed driver education, and 50 logged hours), you can schedule your driving test.
How to schedule your DMV appointment and what to expect
You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the California DMV website, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV office in person. Online scheduling is usually the fastest option. You will need to choose your local DMV office, select the service you need (written test, driving test, or both), and pick an available date and time.
Arrive at your appointment at least 15 minutes early. Bring all required documents, your payment (cash, check, or card), and your vehicle if you are taking the driving test. The written test is administered when ready when you arrive. If you pass, you will receive a receipt and can schedule your driving test for a later date.
Wait times at DMV offices vary widely by location and time of day. Weekday mornings typically have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. If you cannot get an appointment online, some DMV offices accept walk-ins, though you may wait several hours.
Costs and what happens after you pass both tests
The fee for a first-time driver license is $33 if you are 18 or older, or $27 if you are under 18. The written test and driving test are included in this fee; there are no separate test charges. If you need a replacement or duplicate license, the cost is $20.
After you pass both the written test and the driving test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks, depending on the office. Your first California driver license is valid for five years if you are under 70, or four years if you are 70 or older.
If you are under 18 when you receive your license, it will have a red bar at the top indicating a "provisional license." This license has restrictions: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. (except for school, work, or medical reasons), and you cannot drive with passengers under 20 unless a licensed adult 25 or older is present. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. You must request your preferred language when you schedule your appointment. Some DMV offices may require advance notice for languages other than Spanish.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test when ready at most DMV offices, though some locations may require you to wait a few days. There is no additional fee for retakes. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can schedule a driving test.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a California driver license?
You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you cannot get a standard driver license, but you may be able to get a limited-term license or identification card. Ask the DMV about your specific situation.
What if I move to California from another state with a valid license?
This article covers first-time California licenses only. If you already have a valid license from another state, the process is different and faster. Contact your local DMV office or visit the DMV website for information about transferring an out-of-state license.