CA Driver’s License Guide

Steps for Obtaining California Driver’s License Under 18

To obtain a California driver’s license for individuals under the age of 18, there are several steps that must be followed in accordance with California’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program.

1. Complete Driver’s Education (Online or In-Person)

Age Requirement: You must be at least 15½ years old to begin the process.
Enroll in a California Department of Motor Vehicles DMV-Approved Driver’s Education course. This can be done online or in-person.
The course consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction covering traffic laws, safety rules, road signs, and safe driving practices.

2. Obtain a Learner’s Permit

Age Requirement: You must be at least 15½ years old.
Learner’s Permit Requirements:
- Complete the Driver’s Education course.
- Pass a vision test at the DMV.
- Pass the written knowledge test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
- Submit proof of your identity, Social Security number, and California residency.
- Parental consent (a parent or guardian must sign the application).
- Pay the permit fee.
Once you pass these requirements, you will receive your California Learner’s Permit.
Important: With a Learner’s Permit, you must drive with a licensed adult (at least 25 years old) in the front passenger seat.

3. Complete Behind-the-Wheel Driver’s Training

Mandatory Driver’s Training: You must complete 6 hours of professional driver’s training (behind-the-wheel lessons) with a DMV-licensed driving school.
Practice Driving: In addition to the formal lessons, you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving (with a licensed adult 25 years or older), including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving.

4. Hold Your Learner’s Permit for At Least 6 Months

Minimum Holding Period: You must hold your Learner’s Permit for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test.

5. Schedule and Pass the Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test

Once you have held your Learner’s Permit for 6 months, completed the required driver’s education and training, and logged the necessary hours of practice, you can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at the DMV.
During the driving test, you will be evaluated on your ability to safely operate a vehicle and obey traffic laws.
Be sure to bring the following to the test:
- Your Learner’s Permit
- Proof of completion of Driver’s Education and Driver’s Training.
- A roadworthy vehicle for the driving test.
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle.

6. Pass the Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test

The DMV examiner will test your driving skills and your knowledge of safe driving procedures.
If you pass the test, you will be issued a California Provisional Driver’s License.

7. Provisional License Restrictions

For the first 12 months after receiving your provisional license, you will have certain restrictions:
- No driving between 11 PM and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed adult 25 years or older.
- No passengers under 20 years old (unless accompanied by a licensed adult 25 years or older).
- No driving with passengers under 20 who are not members of your immediate family for the first 12 months.
These restrictions are in place to ensure that young drivers gain experience gradually and safely.

8. Convert to a Full, Unrestricted License

After holding your provisional license for 12 months and reaching the age of 18, you can apply for a full, unrestricted California driver’s license.
The provisional license will automatically become a regular license at age 18, and the restrictions will be lifted.

Key Points:

Minimum age for a learner’s permit: 15½ years old.
Minimum age for a full, unrestricted license: 18 years old.
Driver’s Education and Training: Required for all under-18 applicants.
Holding the learner’s permit: Must be held for at least 6 months.
Provisional License: Issued to drivers under 18 with certain driving restrictions until they turn 18.

Make sure to carefully follow all steps and complete the requirements to ensure a smooth path to obtaining your California driver’s license.