What you need to do before you go to the DMV

To get a California driver's license, you will visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes several visits over a few weeks. Before you go, you need to gather documents that prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number — the DMV will not let you test without them.

Start by collecting your documents at home. You will need one document from the "primary" list (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID) and one document showing your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access, or bring your ITIN documentation.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone. Either way, bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill or lease) dated within 60 days.
  • The DMV charges a fee for the written test and a separate fee for the driving test; the total cost varies but is typically under $100 for a first-time license.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at your first DMV visit, and if you pass, you can schedule a driving test for a later date.
  • The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV test car, and you must have a valid permit or license holder in the car with you.
  • After you pass both tests, the DMV will issue a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks.

Step 1: Take the written test at the DMV

Walk into your local DMV office with your documents and tell the staff you want to take the written test for a driver's license. They will check your documents, have you fill out the DL 44 form (the process for a California driver's license), and take your photo. The whole check-in takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You will then sit at a computer or paper station and answer 36 questions about California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to get at least 30 questions right to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

When you pass the written test, the DMV will give you a learner's permit (also called a provisional license). This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone. Keep this permit safe — you will need it for your driving test.

Step 2: Practice driving and schedule your road test

With your learner's permit, you can now practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. There is no minimum number of hours you must practice, but the DMV recommends at least 50 hours, with at least 10 of those at night. The more you practice, the more likely you are to pass the driving test.

You can schedule your driving test online through the DMV website, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at any DMV office. The DMV usually has openings within two to four weeks, though wait times are longer in busy urban areas. When you book, you will choose a date, time, and location. Write down your appointment number — you will need it on test day.

Before your test date, make sure the vehicle you will use is registered, insured, and in working condition. The DMV examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work. If anything is broken, the test will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule.

Step 3: Take the driving test

On the day of your test, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your learner's permit, your appointment confirmation, and the vehicle you will be tested in. You must also bring a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old — this person sits in the passenger seat during the test but does not help you drive. If you do not have someone to bring, some DMV offices have test vehicles available, though you may have to pay an extra fee.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving. You will be marked down for traffic violations (running a red light, speeding), unsafe moves (not checking your mirrors, drifting between lanes), or equipment failures. You need to pass without major errors.

If you fail, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period, but you will have to schedule another appointment, which may be weeks away. If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot, and the DMV will issue a temporary paper license that day.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license lets you drive alone and is good for about two weeks. Your permanent plastic license card will arrive by mail — the DMV says to expect it within 10 to 14 days, though it sometimes takes longer.

If your permanent card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV to report it. You can call 1-800-777-0133 or visit your local office. If your card is lost or damaged after it arrives, you can order a replacement online or in person for a small fee.

Your California driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Before it expires, you will need to renew it. The DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires.

Costs and fees

The DMV charges separate fees for the written test and the driving test. As of 2024, the written test fee is $35 and the driving test fee is $36, for a total of $71. The license itself costs an additional amount that varies based on how long you want it to be valid — a five-year license costs around $42. These fees change periodically, so check the DMV website for the current amounts before you go.

If you need to retake either test, you will pay the test fee again. If you fail the written test and come back the same day, you do not pay twice — one fee covers multiple attempts in a single visit. For the driving test, each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee.

Some DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A few offices accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead or check online to confirm what your local office takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a written test if I already have a license from another state?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to California, you can transfer it without taking the written or driving test. You will need to visit the DMV with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a California license for a fee, usually around $42.

What if I fail the driving test — how long do I have to wait to try again?

There is no waiting period. You can schedule another test when ready, but the next available appointment may be weeks away depending on how busy your local DMV is. You will pay the driving test fee again for each attempt.

Can I use someone else's car for the driving test?

Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The DMV examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test starts. The car does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have valid registration and insurance documents inside.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can use that instead. If you have neither, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Without one of these three documents, the DMV will not issue a license.

How long is my temporary paper license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for about two weeks while you wait for your permanent plastic card to arrive by mail. Do not lose it — if your permanent card is delayed and your temporary license expires, you cannot drive legally until the permanent card arrives. If you are concerned about the delay, contact the DMV to check the status.