Your expired learner's permit is no longer valid for supervised driving
Once your California learner's permit expires, you cannot legally drive, even with a licensed adult in the car. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will not let you renew it — you have to start over with a new process and test. The good news is that the process is faster the second time because you already know the material, and you can take the written test the same day you explore.
How much time you have to reapply depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than a year ago, you can go straight to the DMV and take the written test again without waiting. If it has been a year or longer, you will need to start completely fresh, which means paying the process fee again and waiting for your new permit to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- An expired learner's permit cannot be renewed — you must submit a new process and pass the written test again.
- If your permit expired less than a year ago, you can take the written test when ready at any DMV office without reapplying.
- If your permit expired more than a year ago, you pay the full process fee again and wait for the new permit to arrive by mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.
- Your new permit is valid for five years from the date the DMV issues it, giving you time to practice and prepare for the behind-the-wheel test.
What happens at the DMV when you reapply
Bring your identification, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease with your current address), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will fill out a new DL 44 form, which is the same process you completed for your first permit. The DMV will take a new photo and fingerprints.
You will then take the written test again — the same 46-question test about California traffic laws and road signs. You need 38 correct answers to pass. Many people pass on the second attempt because they remember the material from studying before, even if they did not pass the first time. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day.
How long the new permit lasts and what it covers
Your new learner's permit is valid for five years from the date the DMV issues it. During those five years, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. The same rules explore as before: no driving alone, no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. (unless you are driving to or from work or a school event), and no using a cell phone while driving.
You do not have to wait the full five years to take your behind-the-wheel driving test. You can schedule it as soon as you have your new permit in hand, though the DMV recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 of those hours at night.
The cost of reapplying after expiration
If your permit expired less than a year ago, you pay only the test fee, which is currently $7. You do not pay the full process fee again because the DMV considers this a retest rather than a new process.
If your permit expired more than a year ago, you pay the full process fee. As of 2024, the learner's permit process fee is $38, though this amount can change. Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the current fee before you go in.
Getting your new permit by mail
After you pass the written test, the DMV will issue your new permit on the spot if you are retesting within one year of expiration. You will receive a temporary paper permit that is valid when ready for supervised driving. Your official plastic permit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
If you are reapplying after more than a year, the process takes longer. You will receive a temporary paper permit at the DMV office, but your official card will take one to two weeks to arrive. During that time, you can still practice with the paper permit as long as you have it with you.
When you are ready for the behind-the-wheel test
Once you have your new permit, you can schedule your driving test through the DMV website or by calling your local office. You will need to bring your permit, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working safety equipment (lights, wipers, brakes, and mirrors). The person supervising your test must be a DMV employee, not the adult who has been teaching you to drive.
The behind-the-wheel test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You need to pass this test to move on to your provisional driver's license, which allows you to drive alone (with some restrictions if you are under 18).
What to bring to the DMV
| Document | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Photo ID (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) | Proves your identity |
| Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) | Confirms your current address |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Required for all DMV applications |
| Completed DL 44 form (optional — DMV has them on site) | Speeds up the process process |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my expired permit while I wait for my new one?
No. An expired permit is not valid for any driving, even with a licensed adult present. You must have a current, valid permit or driver's license to legally operate a vehicle. Driving with an expired permit can result in a traffic citation.
Do I have to retake the written test if my permit expired less than a year ago?
Yes, you must pass the written test again to receive a new permit. However, the DMV treats this as a retest rather than a new process, so you pay only the test fee instead of the full process fee.
How long does it take to get my new permit after I pass the test?
If you expired within one year, you receive a temporary paper permit when ready that is valid for supervised driving. Your official plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you expired more than a year ago, the timeline is the same.
What if I fail the written test the second time?
You can take the test again the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each time you retake the test, you pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the material more carefully.
Can I practice driving with my temporary paper permit?
Yes. The temporary paper permit is valid for supervised driving as soon as the DMV issues it. You can practice with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat while you wait for your official plastic card to arrive by mail.