Permit Requirements For All Drivers

To get a permit you must :

• Be at least 15 1/2, but under 18 years of age.
  
  
• Complete the application requirements.
  
  
• Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the DL 44. Signing this form means you agree to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood when required by a peace officer.
  
  
• Pass a traffic laws and road signs test. If you fail the test, you must wait one week before taking it again. This will give you time to study.
  
  
• If you are between 15 1/2 and 17 1/2, provide proof that you have met one of the following requirements. Completed and received state completion certificate:
  (DL 400B) Driver Education classroom course
  (DL 400C ) Online Driver Education course
  (DL 400D) Behind-The-Wheel Driver Training
  
• Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.
  
  
• Provide your true full name.
  
  
• Provide your social security number.
  
  
• Pay the required $33 application fee. This fee is good for 12 months and allows you to take the appropriate law test(s) three times, if needed, within the 12-month period. This fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver license.
  
  
• The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel training with an instructor or reach age 17 1/2.
  
  
• Have your picture taken.
  
  
• Pass an eye exam.
  
  
• Give a thumb print.
  
  
• You must have your permit for a minimum of 6 months before you apply for a license.
  

MINORS' PERMIT RESTRICTIONS

• You must practice with a parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license.
  • The person must be close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time. A provisional permit does not let you drive alone -not even to a DMV office to take a driving test.
• If you have a permit that allows you to drive an M1 or M2 vehicle, you can carry passengers and you must ride during daylight hours only, and not on the freeway.