California Driver's License Requirements



1. Complete a California Certified Driver's Ed Class online and have the Certificate of Completion from that class.

Expert Driving School provides the best available DMV certified online class.

2. Practice taking the Driver Written Test. (optional)
Sample Tests

California DMV Handbook

3. Schedule an appointment with your local California DMV to save waiting time. (optional)

4. At the DMV, to apply for a driver license, you must:

• Submit a completed DMV application form (DL 44), which can be obtained at a DMV office. 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. If you refuse to sign this statement, DMV will not issue a permit or license.

• Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.

• Provide your true full name.

• Provide your Social Security Number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration.

• Pay the $31 application fee (as of aug 2010* and is subject to change by the DMV) when you apply for any new or change of class permit or license. It will not be returned. The fee is good for 12 months and allows you to take the appropriate law test(s) three times, if needed, during that period.

The fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver license, if you qualify for both within the 12-month period. If the application expires, you must resubmit documents, repay the application fee, and retake the required tests.

• Pass an eye exam. Any person with a best corrected vision of 20/200 or worse in the better eye cannot be issued a driver license or use a bioptic telescopic or similar lens to qualify for a driver license.

• Have your picture taken.

• Give a thumb print.

California Department of Motor Vehicles

5. After completing and passing the DMV written test,

• Take at least 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction with a professional driving instructor.

Expert Driving School offers DMV certified behind the wheel classes.

• Start practicing driving at least 50 hours with a parent/guardian or any adult who is 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver's license and certify to the 50 hours of practice time. At least 10 of the 50 hours must be done at night. Parent-Teen Training Guide from the DMV

6. Taking the Drivers Test Behind the Wheel

To be eligible to take the test, you must:
• Be 16 years old

and

• Have possessed your permit for a min. of 6 months

and

• Completed a certified Driver's Education Course

and

• Completed 6 hours of professional driver training behind the wheel.

• Have completed 50 hours of practice driving with a parent/guardian or any adult who is 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver's license and certify to the 50 hours of practice time. At least 10 of the 50 hours must be done at night.

• Show proof of insurance for the vehicle in which you will be taking your driver's test.

(If you fail the drivers test, there is a 2-week waiting period before you can retake the test. You have 3 chances to pass the test.