What California requires before you can get a driver license

California requires you to be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You will also need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver licenses in California, and you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the process — you cannot do it entirely online or by mail.

The order matters: you first get a permit, then after practicing and waiting the required time, you take your driving test. Only after you pass the driving test do you receive your actual license. This is a two-step process, not a single transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Social Security number or ITIN to start the process.
  • You need to bring proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of California residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN to your DMV appointment.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test before you can get a permit, and pass a driving test before you can get your license.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a permit for at least six months and one day before you can take the driving test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document that proves your identity, one that proves you live in California, and one that proves your Social Security number or ITIN.

For identity, the DMV accepts a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a permanent resident card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement with your current address. For your Social Security number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. You will need to bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither, you cannot get a California driver license at this time.

The written knowledge test and permit

Before you can drive, you must pass the written knowledge test at the DMV. The test covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 30 correctly to pass.

You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean. If you need the test in a language not offered at your local DMV, call ahead to arrange it.

Once you pass the written test, you receive a permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. If you are under 18, you must hold this permit for at least six months and one day before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you pass the written test, with no waiting period.

The driving test and license

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office where you are testing. A DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving throughout the test.

You must bring your permit, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will be driving to the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail the test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least two weeks before your next attempt.

Once you pass the driving test, the DMV issues your driver license on the spot. You can choose a Real ID license or a standard license. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings; a standard license does not. Both cost the same.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, California has additional restrictions. You must hold a permit for at least six months and one day before taking the driving test. You must also complete a driver education course and a driver training course before you can get your permit — these are separate from the written test.

Driver education is a classroom or online course about traffic laws and safe driving. Driver training is behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor. Both must be completed before you explore for your permit. Some high schools offer these courses free; private driving schools charge a fee, usually between $300 and $800 for both courses combined.

Once you have your license, you face restrictions until you turn 18. You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You can have only one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.

Costs and how long it takes

The permit costs $35, and the driver license costs $39. If you choose a Real ID license, add $15 to the license cost. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the DMV website before your visit.

The written test takes about 10 minutes. The driving test takes about 20 minutes. However, you should plan to spend 1 to 2 hours at the DMV office because of wait times. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times for each office.

The entire process from permit to license takes at least six months and one day if you are under 18 (because of the permit holding period), or as little as a few days if you are 18 or older and pass both tests on your first try.

How to schedule your DMV appointment

You must make an appointment before you visit the DMV — walk-ins are not accepted for most services. Go to the California DMV website, select your county, and choose the service you need (permit or license). The website will show available appointment times at nearby DMV offices. You can book online or by phone at 1-800-777-0133.

Bring your appointment confirmation with you when you go to the DMV. If you miss your appointment, you will need to schedule a new one. If you need to reschedule, do it at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. California requires either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you have neither, you cannot get a driver license. If you have an ITIN, bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN number.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you must wait at least two weeks. You keep your permit and can continue practicing. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the license fee each time you test.

Do I need to take driver education and training if I am 18 or older?

No. Driver education and training are required only for drivers under 18. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to the written test and then the driving test, with no classroom or behind-the-wheel instruction required.

Can I use my permit to drive alone?

No. With a permit, you must have a licensed adult at least 25 years old in the car with you at all times. Once you pass the driving test and get your license, you can drive alone.

What if I move to a different county before I finish the process?

You can continue with your permit or license in your new county. If you move, update your address with the DMV by mail, online, or at your next DMV visit. You do not need to retake any tests.