How licensing works in California
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) licenses drivers. Teens under 18 move from an instruction permit to a provisional license. Adults 18 and older get a permit and then a regular Class C license.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction permit (teen) | 15½ | Driver education certificate and parent signature. Pass the knowledge and vision tests. Practice only with a California-licensed driver 25 or older. |
| Provisional license | 16 | Hold the permit 6 months. 50 practice hours (10 at night). Finish driver education and driver training. First 12 months: no driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without a licensed adult 25 or older. |
| Full privileges | After 12 months provisional (age 17 or older) | Night and passenger limits end. |
Getting your teen permit
- Be at least 15½ but under 18.
- Show a Certificate of Completion or Enrollment in driver education. If you are over 17½, you may skip this.
- Have a parent or guardian sign the application. With joint custody, both parents sign.
- Pass the knowledge test and vision test.
Your permit is not valid for driving until you start behind-the-wheel training and your instructor validates it.
Provisional license exceptions
You may break the night or passenger limits only with a signed note for a medical need (from a doctor), school or a school activity (from the principal or dean), work (from your employer), or an immediate family need (from your parent). Provisional drivers may never drive for pay.
The California knowledge test
The knowledge test is multiple choice and based on the California Driver's Handbook. You need 80% to pass.
- You get three attempts before you must reapply.
- Minors must wait 7 days after a failed knowledge test, and 14 days after a failed drive test.
- Handbooks and cell phones are not allowed during the test.
- Knowledge tests are not given at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m.
- You also take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts for it, your license will show a corrective lenses restriction.
What to bring
Bring a completed California Driver's License or ID Card Application, your identity documents, your driver education certificate if you are under 17½, and the fee. Check the DMV website for the current list before you go.
Rules specific to California
Phones
California bans all drivers from holding a phone while driving and from texting. Adults may use hands-free systems. Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while driving, not even hands-free.
Right turn on red
You may turn right on a red light after stopping at the limit line, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. Yield to pedestrians and traffic first.
Mountain roads
On a steep, narrow road where two vehicles cannot pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way. The downhill driver has more control when backing up.
The drive test
For your drive test, bring your permit, a licensed companion (25 or older for minors), and a safe, insured, registered vehicle. Before you drive, you must show that the lights, horn, signals, wipers, mirrors and seat belts work. You may not use driver-assist features such as automated parking or adaptive cruise control. A backup camera may be used, but you still need to look.
Test tips
- Read the California Driver's Handbook, especially the rules of the road and safe driving sections.
- Learn the key numbers: 15½, 16, 25, 50 hours, 10 night hours, 6 months, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., under 20.
- Take practice tests until you score well above 80%.
- Use the DMV's free sample tests too.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to California. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking, speed and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your test.