Book Your Learner's Permit Appointment Online or by Phone
You can schedule a Concord DMV appointment for a learner's permit through the California DMV website or by calling the Concord office directly. The online system is faster — you pick your date and time slot in minutes — but the phone line works if you need to ask questions first or if the website is down.
The Concord DMV office is located at 1050 Burnett Avenue, Concord, CA 94520. This office handles learner's permit appointments, so you will go here for your written test and vision screening. You do not need to visit a different location.
Key Takeaways
- Book online at dmv.ca.gov or call the Concord office at (925) 646-6000 to schedule your appointment.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid form of ID to complete the online booking.
- Appointment slots fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends and after school hours, so book as soon as you know your availability.
- Bring your completed DL 44 form, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your ID to your appointment.
- The written test and vision screening happen the same day, and results are usually available before you leave the office.
Use the California DMV Website to Book Online
Go to dmv.ca.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" at the top of the page. Select "Learner's Permit" as the service you need. The system will ask you to enter your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your driver's license or ID number if you have one. If you do not have an ID yet, leave that field blank.
Next, choose "Concord" as your preferred office. The website will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks. Slots typically open up 30 days in advance. Pick a date and time that works for you, then confirm your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number by email — save this or take a screenshot, because you will need it when you arrive.
The online system is open 24 hours a day. If you book in the evening or early morning, you may see more available slots because fewer people are booking at that time.
Call the Concord DMV Office to Schedule by Phone
If you prefer to book by phone or need to ask questions before scheduling, call the Concord DMV office at (925) 646-6000. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wait times are usually shorter on Tuesday through Thursday mornings.
Have your date of birth, Social Security number, and current address ready when you call. The staff member will ask which service you need (learner's permit), confirm the Concord location, and show you available appointment slots over the phone. They will book your appointment and give you a confirmation number.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring your completed DL 44 form (the process for Driver's License or Identification Card). You can fill this out at home before you go, or the DMV staff will help you complete it at your appointment. Bring the original form, not a copy.
You will also need proof of your Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. Bring proof of California residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days. Bring a valid form of ID: a passport, school ID with a photo, or a state ID from another state.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your DL 44 form and provide their ID. If your parent cannot attend, you can bring a notarized consent form instead, though this takes extra time to arrange.
What Happens During Your Appointment
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your confirmation number. A staff member will review your documents and ask you to sign your DL 44 form. They will take your photo for your learner's permit.
Next, you will take a vision screening test. You will read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to your appointment. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to take the written test that day — you will need to reschedule after you see an eye doctor.
If you pass the vision screening, you will take the written test on a computer. The test has 46 questions about California traffic laws and safe driving. You need to answer at least 38 questions correctly to pass. The computer tells you your score when ready after you finish.
After You Pass: Your Learner's Permit and Next Steps
If you pass the written test, the DMV will print your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for 12 months. You can start driving with a licensed adult (age 25 or older) in the car as soon as you leave the office.
Your learner's permit has restrictions: you cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. You must carry your permit with you whenever you drive.
After you have held your learner's permit for at least six months and practiced driving, you can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test to get your full driver's license. You will book that appointment the same way — through the DMV website or by phone.
If Your Appointment Slot Fills Up
Concord DMV appointments often fill up two to four weeks in advance, especially for afternoon and weekend slots. If you do not see availability when you first check, try again the next day — new slots sometimes open up as cancellations come in.
You can also check availability at other nearby DMV offices: Walnut Creek, Antioch, or Pittsburg. If one of those offices has an earlier opening and you can get there, you can book there instead. Your learner's permit will be valid statewide regardless of which office you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Yes. Go back to dmv.ca.gov, click "Manage Your Appointment," and enter your confirmation number and date of birth. You can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment time. If you cancel within 24 hours, you will need to book a new slot through the website or by phone.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. You will have a short break, then take a different version of the test with 46 different questions. If you fail again, you will need to reschedule your appointment for another day and study more before you return.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, 1099, or other official document with your Social Security number printed on it counts as proof. You do not need the card itself. The DMV accepts any one of these documents.
Can I book an appointment for someone else?
No. The person getting the learner's permit must book their own appointment using their own information. If you are under 18 and need help, a parent or guardian can sit with you while you book online, but you will enter your own details.
How long does the whole appointment take?
Plan for 45 minutes to an hour from check-in to leaving with your permit. Vision screening takes about 5 minutes, the written test takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how quickly you answer, and paperwork and photo take another 15 to 20 minutes. Busy days may run longer.