What you need to get a California learner's permit
A California learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car, and you need one before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. You get it from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by passing a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs. The permit itself costs $35 and is valid for 12 months.
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to request a learner's permit in California. If you are under 18, you also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian — the DMV will give you the form, or you can read it from their website before you go.
Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of California residency (a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter works), and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you applied for one. You will also need to pass a vision screening at the DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and pass a written test on California traffic laws and road signs to get a learner's permit.
- The permit costs $35, lasts 12 months, and requires proof of identity, residency, and a parent or guardian's signature if you are under 18.
- You can study for the written test using the California DMV handbook, which covers everything the test covers, and is free to read online.
- Once you have your permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult age 25 or older in the front passenger seat, and you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
How to prepare for the written knowledge test
The written test has 46 questions, and you need to answer at least 39 correctly to pass. All questions come from the California Driver Handbook, which the DMV publishes free online. You can read it on their website or request a printed copy at any DMV office.
The test covers traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do in emergencies. It also includes questions about distracted driving, impaired driving, and sharing the road with bicycles and motorcycles. Study the handbook sections on these topics — the test does not include anything outside the handbook.
Many people study by reading the handbook once, then taking practice tests online. The DMV website offers free practice tests that use the same format and question types as the real test. Taking the practice test two or three times before your appointment helps you see which topics you need to review.
Steps to request your permit at the DMV
Step 1: Gather your documents. Collect your birth certificate or passport, proof of California residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security. If you are under 18, have your parent or guardian sign the consent form (Form DL 44) before you go.
Step 2: Make a DMV appointment or go without one. You can book an appointment online at dmv.ca.gov, which usually gets you in faster. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times. Some DMV offices are busier than others — calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you pick the best time to go.
Step 3: Take the vision screening. A DMV staff member will test your vision using an eye chart. You need to see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you.
Step 4: Take the written test. You will sit at a computer or answer questions on paper, depending on the office. You have one hour to finish. The test is offered in multiple languages — tell the DMV staff which language you need when you check in.
Step 5: Pay the fee and receive your permit. If you pass, you pay $35 and receive your learner's permit when ready. It is a paper document that you must carry with you whenever you drive. If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day at most offices, or you can schedule another appointment.
Restrictions that explore while you have a learner's permit
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 25 or older is sitting in the front passenger seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license — it does not have to be a California license, but it must be current and not suspended. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other passengers under 20 in the car unless they are your siblings and a licensed adult is present.
You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car. You must wear a seatbelt, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. If you get a traffic ticket or are in an accident while driving on your learner's permit, it can affect your ability to move forward to a provisional license or full license later. Your supervising adult is responsible for making sure you follow these rules.
How long you hold a learner's permit before taking the driving test
California requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. During those 6 months, you should practice driving in different conditions — residential streets, highways, night driving, and rain or fog if possible. The more varied your practice, the more prepared you will be for the test.
You do not have to wait the full 6 months if you are 18 or older — you can take the driving test when ready after you get your permit. However, if you are under 18, the 6-month waiting period is required by California law.
Once you have held your permit for 6 months (or when ready if you are 18 or older), you can schedule your behind-the-wheel test at the DMV. That test costs $35 and takes about 20 minutes. You will drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the car and whether you follow traffic laws.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test, you can take it again. At most DMV offices, you can retake the test the same day, though you may have to wait a few hours. You can also schedule a new appointment for another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you have to pay the $35 fee each time.
Before you retake the test, spend more time studying the California Driver Handbook. Many people who fail the first time did not study the handbook thoroughly enough. Focus on the sections where you felt least confident — traffic signs, right-of-way rules, or parking laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration showing you applied for a number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have neither, contact your local DMV office to ask what documents they will accept instead.
What if I fail the vision screening?
If your vision is worse than 20/40 in either eye, even with glasses or contacts, you cannot get a permit that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective prescription if needed, and return to the DMV with new glasses or contacts. Bring your glasses or contacts with you to your next appointment.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the test in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, and several other languages. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive. You may need to schedule your appointment in advance if your local office does not offer your language every day.
What if I lose my learner's permit before it expires?
Go to the DMV with your birth certificate and proof of residency, and request a replacement. The replacement costs $7. You can also request a duplicate online through the DMV website if you have a California ID number.
Do I have to retake the written test if my permit expires?
Yes. If your 12-month permit expires before you pass the behind-the-wheel test, you have to take the written test again and pay the $35 fee. You do not have to wait 6 months again — you can take the driving test as soon as you get your new permit.