How to Get a California Driver's Permit

Remember the 3 Ps to Getting Your Permit: Prepare. Provide. Pass!

Prepare

• Must be between the ages of 15½ and 18.
• Complete approved CA driver education or enroll in driver education/training program.
• Complete the application form DL 44. 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.

Provide

• 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.

Pass

• 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.