What California requires for a driver license now
California issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a behind-the-wheel driving test, and provide proof of identity and California residency. The state also requires proof that you have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any DMV office, and you get three chances to pass before you must wait seven days to retake it. The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle, depending on the office and your situation.
California does not require you to hold a learner's permit before taking the driving test, though most people do. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car and costs less than a full license.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity, California residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN before you can test for a license.
- The written test covers traffic laws and signs; you get three attempts before a seven-day waiting period kicks in.
- The driving test is done in a real vehicle and tests your ability to handle actual road conditions and traffic.
- You can schedule tests online through the DMV website or by calling 1-800-777-0133, and wait times vary by location and season.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your identity. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. A school ID or employee ID does not count as proof of identity on its own.
For proof of California residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a California address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state or a utility bill in someone else's name will not work.
You also need proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return) or proof of your ITIN (a tax return or letter from the IRS). Bring the original or a certified copy. If you cannot provide either, you cannot get a standard driver license, though California offers an AB 60 license for people without a Social Security number or ITIN.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 36 questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others; ask at the DMV which languages are available at your location.
You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV publishes free online and in print at any DMV office. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people also use practice tests on the DMV website or third-party apps to prepare.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at most offices, though some locations require you to wait a few hours. After three failures, you must wait seven days before trying again. Each attempt costs the same fee.
The driving test: what happens and how to prepare
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive through city streets or highways, depending on the test route. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic situations. You must follow all traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely.
You can use your own vehicle or, at some offices, a DMV test vehicle. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test starts. Bring your proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include rolling through stop signs, not checking mirrors or blind spots, speeding, and hitting the curb during parking. Practice these specific skills before you test. If you fail, you can retake the test, though wait times for retests vary by location.
Costs and how long the process takes
A California driver license costs $39 for an eight-year license (or $29 for a four-year license if you are over 70). A learner's permit costs $10. These fees do not include any charges for retaking tests or replacing a lost license.
The time from your first visit to getting your license depends on how quickly you pass the tests and how busy your local DMV is. If you pass both tests on your first try, you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks. If you need to retake either test, add time for scheduling and waiting.
DMV wait times vary widely. Some offices have waits of 30 minutes; others can be two hours or more. Scheduling an appointment online usually reduces your wait time compared to walking in without one.
AB 60 licenses for people without a Social Security number
California's AB 60 license is a standard driver license issued to people who cannot provide a Social Security number or ITIN. It works the same way as any other California license and is valid for driving, but it is marked differently on the back and cannot be used as federal identification for boarding a plane or entering a federal building.
To get an AB 60 license, you still need proof of identity and California residency. You do not need a Social Security number or ITIN. You must still pass the written and driving tests. The cost and process are the same as a standard license.
AB 60 licenses have been issued since 2015 and are recognized by law enforcement and insurance companies. If you are undocumented or do not have a Social Security number for another reason, this is the path to get a legal California driver license.
Renewing or replacing your license
California driver licenses expire eight years after issue (or four years if you are over 70). You can renew online through the DMV website if you have not had any major changes to your information, your vision is still good, and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. Online renewal costs $39 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
If you need to renew in person, visit any DMV office. You may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. Bring your current license and proof of residency.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV and request a replacement. A replacement license costs $20 and arrives by mail in about two weeks. You can also get a temporary license at the DMV office the same day.
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, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and several other languages. Call your local DMV office or check the DMV website to see which languages are available at your location.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it as soon as your local DMV has an opening, which may be days or weeks depending on how busy the office is. You pay the test fee again each time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though most people pass within two or three attempts.
Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?
No. You can go straight to the driving test without holding a learner's permit first. However, a learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult, which most people find helpful before testing.
Can I use an out-of-state driver license to prove my identity at the DMV?
No. You need an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. An out-of-state driver license does not count as proof of identity for getting a California license.
How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary license the day you pass both tests. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there are processing delays.