California requires you to complete a driver's education course to apply for your learner's permit if you're between 15½ and 18 years old.
After you finish the course, you'll schedule a DMV appointment to take your knowledge test.
The last step to get your learner's permit is to pass a knowledge test and vision exam.
Your route to apply for a learner's permit in California depends on your current age. If you're under 18 years old, follow these steps. Ootherwise, you can skip right ahead to step two.
The Steps to Getting a Learner's Permit in California
1. Complete a California Driver's Ed Course
If you're at least 15½ but under 18 years old, you need to complete a California driver's education course before applying for a learner's permit. You must present your driver's ed certificate of completion when you apply for your instruction permit. The course must include 30 hours of instruction. A California driver's ed course should cover California traffic laws, road signs, rules of the road, and driving safety.
At I Drive Safely, we split our 30-hour course into eight chapters, each covering a specific topic. At the end of each chapter, you’ll answer a short multiple-choice quiz. When you reach the end of the course, you’ll take an exam consisting of 50 questions. To pass, you need to score at least 80%. Worried that you may not pass the first time? Relax. You can retake the exam as many times as needed at no additional cost.
When you complete the course, we will send your certificate of completion for free. By regular mail, it normally takes five to seven days. You can also print it out the second you finish the course.
2. Schedule a DMV Appointment
Once you complete your driver's ed course, you can schedule an appointment at your local DMV to take your knowledge test. Now that you have an appointment scheduled, gather the following documents:
A completed driver's licensed ID card application signed by your parent or guardian (if you're under 18).
Proof of identity and residency. If you're an immigrant, you'll need proof of legal residency.
Your Completion of Driver's Education Certificate.
3. Prepare for Your Knowledge Test
The knowledge test includes 46 multiple-choice questions about California traffic laws, but don't worry — you'll have covered all this material in your driver's ed course. You just need to get an 80% score (38 correct) to pass. If you need to do some extra reviewing, check out the California Driver's Handbook. There is an option to take this test online but it requires a webcam (no smartphone or tablets) to monitor you during the exam..
4. Visit the DMV
Now that you're fully prepared to head to the local California DMV, make your way there once the scheduled day has finally arrived. Bring all of the gathered documents with you. You'll have to pay an application fee, take a vision exam, and get your photo taken. The only thing left is to take your knowledge test if you haven't already done it online. Once you pass, you'll walk out with your California learner's permit in hand.
Get Your Learner's Permit With I Drive Safely
It’s that simple. In fact, getting a learner’s permit in California is probably easier than learning to surf! It all starts with our California driver's ed online course, so sign up today. It'll fully prepare you for when the time comes.
Updated 8/5/24
