California Permit Practice Tests 2026: Your Gateway to Golden State Driving

In California you must be at least 15½ years old to apply for a permit (also called an instruction permit). This age applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in California you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of California residency (showing you live in California)
• Legal full name document (if your name on your ID and application don’t match)
• Social Security number
• Payment for the non-refundable application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required.
Check the California DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• If your parents or guardians share joint custody of you both must sign the application

The application process in California is as follows:

1. Fill out a Driver’s License & ID Card Application
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the non-refundable application fee
4. Pass your written test(s)
5. Pass a vision test

If you’re under 18 you must also:

• Be at least 15½ years old
• Complete a driver education program
• Have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application
• Wait to use your instruction permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor who will validate the permit

California allows you to start the application process online but you must visit a DMV office in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision test and complete your written test.

The California DMV charges a non-refundable application fee for a permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the written test and issuing your permit. Visit the California DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in California you must pass:

• A vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written test with multiple choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices

The California permit written test is multiple choice. The exact number may vary depending on the test version but you’ll need to know traffic laws, signs, signals and safe driving practices.

The California permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your California permit test:

• Study the California Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at /ca-drivers-handbook-manual/
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to make sure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the California permit test:

• You get three attempts to pass before you have to reapply
• If you’re a minor you must wait seven days to retake a failed written test, not including the day of the failure
• You’ll have to reapply and pay the application fee again if you fail all three attempts

With a California permit you can:

• Practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 years old if you’re a minor)
• This supervising driver must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed
• Gain experience to prepare for your behind-the-wheel driving test

When driving with a permit in California you:* Must have a California-licensed driver at least 18 years old (25 years old for minors) in the passenger seat

• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode, if you’re under 18
• Must make sure all occupants wear seat belts
• If you’re under 18 you must wait until your permit is validated by a driving instructor before you can practice driving

In California the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the behind-the-wheel driving test
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old
• 10 of these hours must be night driving

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your instruction permit
• Just practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your behind-the-wheel test

California requires different driver education based on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Yes, you must complete a driver education program before getting a learner’s permit
• You cannot use your instruction permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor who will validate the permit

If you are 18 or older:

• No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver

In California before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18 you must complete:

• Both driver education and driver training
• Driver education through a high school or DMV-licensed driving school
• Professional behind-the-wheel driver training
• 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night) with someone at least 25 years old who has a valid California driver’s license

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find California-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the California DMV website for a list of licensed driving schools* Look for instructors who carry an official instructor’s ID card (ask to see it)

The California behind-the-wheel test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the DMV examiner will ask you to show and demonstrate various vehicle controls and safety features including:

• Driver window operation
• Windshield clarity
• Rearview mirrors
• Brake lights
• Tire condition
• Foot brake operation
• Horn functionality
• Emergency/parking brake operation
• Turn/arm signals
• Windshield wipers
• Seat belts

You can schedule your behind-the-wheel test in California by:

• Going to the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment
• Using the DMV’s online appointment system
• Calling the DMV appointment line

On the day of your behind-the-wheel test in California, bring:

• Your instruction permit or driver’s license (if you have one)
• Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors), unless you are already licensed to drive
• A vehicle that is safe to drive for your test
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• If using a rental vehicle, your name must be on the rental contract and the contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel tests

Common reasons for failing the California behind-the-wheel test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to parallel park

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in California:
If you are under 18 years old:

1. Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months2. Take driver education and driver training
2. Get 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
3. Be 16 years old
4. Pass the behind-the-wheel test
5. Pay the fees

If you are 18 or older:

1. Practice with your permit
2. Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel test
3. Pay the fees

California’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

1. Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15½ years old, complete driver education and practice with a licensed adult 25 or older. Valid for 12 months.
2. Provisional License: Must be at least 16 years old, held permit for at least 6 months, complete 50 hours of practice driving and pass the behind-the-wheel test.
3. Full License: Provisional restrictions end when you turn 18.

Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the behind-the-wheel test.

As a new driver under 18 in California, your provisional license will have these restrictions:

• No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months
• No passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years or older, or a certified driving instructor is with you
• You cannot drive for pay or operate vehicles that require a commercial license

These restrictions apply for 12 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.
There are exceptions to these restrictions if you need to drive for:

• Medical necessity (with a signed note from your doctor)
• School or school-authorized activities (with a signed note from your school)
• Employment necessity (with a signed note from your employer)
• Immediate family members (with a signed note from your parent/guardian)

California does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to California with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a California permit* If you’re under 18, you must have a California permit or permit from another state for at least 6 months before scheduling your behind-the-wheel test

California offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver handbook
• Oral knowledge tests
• American Sign Language interpreters
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test

Contact your local DMV office before your appointment to request accommodations.

Yes, California issues driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of immigration status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of California residency
• Other required documents

Visit the California DMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

You can download a copy of the California Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free California-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual exam.

For more information about the California permit process:

• Visit the California DMV website at dmv.ca.gov
• Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV office
• For hearing impaired assistance, call 1-800-368-4327

If you lose your California permit:

• You can request a replacement at dmv.ca.gov/dlservices
• You will need to visit a DMV office
• You may need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by filling out a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card.