What do I need to do before I can get my permit?
What do I need to bring with me to get my permit?
What do I need to do after I get my permit?
How do I complete my behind the wheel practice hours?
Are there any restrictions when driving with my permit?
Where can I find a driving school?
What do I need to do before I can get my permit?
You must have completed your 30-hour drivers ed course and be at least 15 ½ years old to get your permit.
What do I need to bring with me to get my permit?
Be sure to read this list carefully to ensure you bring the required documents to the DMV to get your permit!
- ● DL 44 (Driver License Application) with parent/guardian signatures.
- ● Students over 18 do not need a parent signature
You can obtain a DL 44 at your local DMV office, or have it mailed to you by calling 1-800-777-0133. - ● Social Security Number - you are not required to bring your card.
- ● Original certified copy of a document verifying your birth date and legal presence. This could be:
- ○ US birth certificate
- ○ US passport
- ○ Permanent temporary resident card
- ○ See more acceptable documents here
- ● Two proofs of California residency. This could be:
- ○ Rental or lease agreement
- ○ Deed or title to residential property
- ○ Mortgage bill
- ○ Utility bill
- ○ School documents, medical documents, employment documents, etc.
- ○ See more acceptable documents here.
- ○ Please note that the address on your residency documents must match the residency address on the DL-44 application. Photocopies of these documents are not acceptable.
- ● $35 application fee - this covers 3 exams within a 12 month period, as well as your permit and driver license.
- ● Certificate of Completion of Drivers Education (under 18 only)
What do I need to do after I get my permit?
The first thing you’ll need to do is complete 6 hours of professional driver training. Legally, you must complete this before moving on and practicing with your parent or legal guardian.
How do I complete my behind the wheel practice hours?
For students who are 15.5 – 17.5 years old, you’ll need to enroll in a two-hour driving lesson with a professional instructor once you have your permit. After this initial two hour lesson, the instructor will sign the back of your permit and you can start working on the 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with your parents or guardians. Before getting your license, you’ll also need to complete two (2) additional two-hour lessons with a professional instructor.
If you are 17.5 years old or older, you aren’t required to take any professional driving lessons. Instead, if you’re 17.5 – 18 years old you can practice driving with a parent, guardian, spouse, or adult who is at least 25 years old or older and has a valid California driver license. You can then head to the DMV to take the driving test when you’re officially 18 years old.
If you’re 18 years old or older, you can practice with any adult who is at least 18 years old or older and has a valid California driver license. You can head back to the DMV to take the driving test whenever you feel ready to ace the test!
Are there any restrictions when driving with my permit?
Yes! Along with carefully obeying all traffic laws, you must drive with a parent, guardian, spouse, or adult age 25 or older who holds a valid California driver license. You’ll need to hold your permit for 6 months before you can be eligible to earn your license and drive unaccompanied.
Where can I find a driving school?
To find a driving school near you, we suggest simply doing a quick Google search, such as “driving school + your zip code or city”.
As you decide which driving school is the best fit for you, keep the following things in mind:
- ● Cost - 3, 2-hour driving lessons at a state-approved driving school can cost anywhere from $200 to upwards of $400.
- ● Location
- ● Schedule - ask for instructor availability before you buy!
- ● Reviews and ratings
