Driving Permit

HOW DO I GET CA DRIVING PERMIT?

Requirements for getting your Driving Permit

In order to obtain your California provisional instruction permit, minors must meet the following criteria: be at least 15½ but under 18 years of age, complete an approved driver education course such as MyCaliforniaPermit.com, and receive the DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C.

Once you reach the age of at least 15 1/2, you can visit a DMV office and take the written knowledge test for the provisional (under 18) instruction permit. For the latest requirements, refer to the permit page. If you have any DMV-related inquiries, you can contact 1 (510) 862-8857.

What Happens After You Pass The Driver Ed Course?

Receive your pink DMV certificate of completion shipped by first-class mail. Note: Please CONTACT US if your certificate has not arrived after 2 weeks.

Prepare For The DMV Permit Test - Read the DMV Handbook

Review the DMV California Driver Handbook. Remember, all of the test questions are taken from the California Driver Handbook (available online in multiple formats and languages). Links to the California Driver Handbook and the DMV Parent-Teen Training Guide are in the footer of every page on our website. Start reviewing it while you wait for your certificate to arrive in the mail. The handbook contains vital information and may take you a few days to fully study.

Take Free DMV Practice Permit Tests

Before you go to DMV to take your written instruction permit test, take these DMV Sample Practice Tests (Regular Driver – Class C) and be prepared for the way the DMV phrases questions. The practice tests are also available in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). There is no cost for these tests.

Be sure to take all of the following to the DMV:

Certificate of Completion of Driver Education DL-400C - signed by parent or guardian (the pink slip we mail you when you complete this course)
Your Birth Certificate or Legal Presence Papers - originals or certified copies only
Social Security Number (REAL ID requires proof of SSN - see list of document options for REAL ID card)
One (1) form of proof of residency - REAL ID requires two (2). See the residency document requirements.

At The DMV You Must:

Fill out or bring a completed DL44 application and have both parents sign it (available at DMV offices or complete the electronic DL44 application online ahead of time).
Pay the DMV application fee, this fee pays for both your permit and your driver's license.
Pass a vision test - if you wear glasses, bring them.
Pass the DMV's written instruction permit knowledge test. You have three chances to pass the test within a year. You will have 3 chances to take the test, but if you fail a test you must wait 7 days (not including the day the test was failed) before taking the test again. If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new application and paying the appropriate fees. Remember, questions for this test are taken from the California Driver Handbook.

For the most up-to-date requirements, please refer to the instruction permit page on the DMV website. Additionally, you will be required to pay the DMV fee, have your photograph taken, and provide a thumbprint.

Upon successfully passing the written test, you will receive a provisional instruction permit. However, when you drive, you must always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult who is 25 years of age or older and possesses a valid California driver’s license. This accompanying adult must be seated in a position close enough to assume control of the vehicle if necessary. Please note that it is strictly prohibited to drive alone at any time.

Important Note: It is mandatory to retain your permit for a minimum of 6 months, regardless of whether you reach the age of 16 during that period. Even if you are already 16 years old, you must still adhere to the 6-month requirement before becoming eligible to take the driving test.

Need Help? Feel Free to Inquire.

Our priority is to ensure that you have a seamless and hassle-free driver’s education experience. Whether you encounter any challenges during registration or simply have inquiries about California requirements, we are available seven days a week to provide prompt assistance. Contact us for any support you need.