How to Get a California Driver’s Permit

Get your paperwork, age, and education lined up before you visit the DMV.

• Must be between the ages of 15½ and 18.
• Complete approved CA driver education or enroll in a driver education/training program.
• Complete the application form DL 44. It must be the original form with your parents' or guardians' signatures.
• The DMV encourages you to make an appointment at the DMV office for faster service.
• Bring the required forms.

At the office you will verify identity, pay the fee, and complete biometrics.

• Submit your driver ed certificate (or driver training enrollment forms) to the DMV.
• Provide your Social Security number.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence with the appropriate documentation.
• Provide your true full name if your name no longer matches the name on your birth date legal presence document.
• Give a thumb print.
• Have your picture taken.
• Pay a $33 application fee.

Finish with a quick vision screening and the written knowledge test.

• Pass a vision exam.
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions. You have 3 chances to pass with a 39 out of 46 minimum score.

If you are worried about passing or need a refresher, take a look at our permit prep, which includes DMV practice tests, insider tips for testing, videos, and exam prep.