From a Driver’s Permit to a Full Driving License in California

Do you think you are ready for your driving license? A learner’s permit is the first step towards greater responsibility in life and a great way to get yourself familiar with the traffic laws and safe driving techniques. But how do you get there? And do you need drivers ed? Let’s tackle those questions

In California, if you are a teenager between 15 ½ to 17 ½, you can apply for a learner’s permit, but firstly, you have to enroll in a California drivers education course. The course consists of 30 hours of classroom education about important traffic rules, preparing you for the written test.  This course has been approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and after finishing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. With the certificate in your hands, you can apply for a learner’s permit under the following requirements:

• Proof of date of birth and legal residence

• Proof of Social Security number

• Proof of residency in California

• Certificate of Completion of a DMV-approved California drivers education course

• A completed Form DL 44 available at the DMV, signed by a parent or guardian

• Provide a thumbprint

• Pass a written traffic law and sign test. The test consists of 46 questions, and at least 38 are needed for passing the test. You can take the test 3 times, and in case you fail, you have to wait 7 days before taking it again. 

• Pass a vision exam

• An application fee

After you obtain a driving permit, it is time for you to practice driving. When you drive, a person with at least two years of licensed experience and a valid license must accompany you in the front seat. The person accompanying you must be either a qualified instructor, parent, guardian, or spouse, older than 25.

The provisional driving license has several restrictions, applying to you, if you are older than 16 but not yet 18 years old.  Firstly, during the first year of your provisional license, or earlier if you turn 18, you cannot drive passengers under 20 years old, unless a person age 25 or older, with a valid license is present. In case of family needs, exceptions can be made.  Secondly, during the same time period, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m, unless a person age 25 or older, with a valid license is present in the vehicle. The only exceptions when you are allowed to drive during these hours are situations when you have a school official, doctor, parent or guardian, or school official, giving you a statement explaining why you should be allowed to drive in restricted hours.  You should note that in case of a violation of these rules, you can get fine or court-ordered community service. In case you make another traffic or similar violation, you will receive a ticket. This is particularly important, as not having a clean record will result in the DMW warning. In case of more violations, your license can get restricted or suspended. Importantly, violations prevent you from getting a full California driving license.

The last part of your license journey is the driving test. On the day of the test, besides concentration, you must bring the following:

• Proof of your date of birth and legal residence

• Proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving during your road skills test

When you pass the test, your provisional license is emailed to you. With this license, you can drive alone, but the restrictions mentioned above are applied. In case you fail the driving test, you have to wait 2 weeks, counting on the next day, after you had your test, before re-taking it, and you have to pay a fee each time until you pass it. If you fail the test 3 times, you have to reapply and pay all the necessary application fees.

Your provisional license automatically upgrades to a full California driving license once you turn 18. However, you can get a full license only if you have no court-ordered or DMW restrictions, suspensions, or probations.  In case you are over 18 years old but you never had a provisional driving license or you had a license but issued in another state or county, you do not have to take the California drivers ed course or training. You only need to apply for an instruction permit, until you are prepared to take a driving test. When you pass the test, you get a full California driving license.

Getting your California driver's license? Check out our California DMV-approved drivers ed course! Call us today on (877) 786-5969 or click here to send us a message!