The big day has finally come — the day you get to learn to drive in California! Learning to drive is a big milestone in life, but it also comes with new responsibilities. One of those is to abide by all the driving rules and requirements that comes with being a driver.
Before you take this big step (and wait in line at the DMV), let’s take a look at the California drivers permit rules.
California Instruction Permit Requirements
Your permit is your official go-ahead to learn to drive on California roads. The rules for getting one vary depending on your age, so let’s break it down:
Permit Requirements for Under 18
Must be at least 15 1/2 years old
Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form
Both you and your parents or guardians must sign it
If both parents and guardians have custody, both must sign
Present acceptable birth certificate, legal presence, or identity documents
Provide a certificate of completion of driver education or proof of enrollment in an integrated driver education program
Pay the required application fee (currently around $45)
Pass a vision exam
Have a photograph taken
Provide a fingerprint
Pass a knowledge test with a score of at least 80%
You're allowed three attempts to pass the California DMV permit test within a year
If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 7 days before your next attempt
Permit Requirements for Over 18
Must be at least 18 years old
Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form and sign it
Present acceptable birth certificate, legal presence, or identity documents
Pay the required application fee (around $45)
Pass a vision exam
Have photograph taken
Provide a fingerprint
Pass a knowledge test with a score of at least 80%
You're allowed three attempts to pass the California DMV permit test within a year
If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 7 days before attempting again
California Instruction Permit Rules and Restrictions for Teens
Once you have met all the requirements, you can get your learner’s permit. With that in hand, you can start driving! But as you hit the road, there are a few restrictions and rules to keep in mind:
Your driving instructor needs to validate your permit. Until then, it’s not considered legal
You may practice driving only with:
A licensed parent or guardian or
A California driver 25 years old or older or
A certified driving instructor
The supervising driver must have a valid DL and be ready to take control of the vehicle if necessary
Driving alone is not allowed, including traveling to a DMV office for your driving test
You must obey all traffic laws, including the Zero Tolerance law — which forbids any drinking and driving until the age of 21
Not use any electronics, like cellphones, while under the age of 18. That even includes hands-free devices
California Drivers License Requirements
After you’ve had your permit for six months and are 16 years old, you can get your official license. Whether you’re going on your sixteenth birthday or any other day, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with all the requirements. To get your license, you must:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold instruction permit for a minimum of six months
Provide proof that you took and passed a driving education or training course
Obtain 50 hours of practice (with 10 hours of night driving) and have your parents and/or guardians and instructors sign a verifying form
Schedule and pass the driving test online or by phone
If you fail, you have to wait two weeks to try again. You’ll have to pay a retest fee for any additional attempts
After three failed attempts, you’ll have to reapply and pay all of the fees again
California Drivers License Restrictions
Even after getting your license, there are a few rules for the first year of driving when you’re under age 18:
For the first 12 months, you can't:
Drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Drive passengers under 20 years old unless with:
A licensed parent or guardian
A California driver aged 25 or older
Or a certified driving instructor
It's illegal for drivers under 18 to use cellphones or wireless devices while driving, except for emergencies or on private property (just like with your permit)
There are five exceptions to driving after 11 p.m. or transporting someone under 20 unsupervised:
Medical necessity: You’ll need a note from your physician explaining the need to drive
School activities: You’ll need a note from your school authority detailing the activity and its end date
Employment: You’ll need a note from your employer confirming your need to drive for work
Family needs: You’ll need a note from your parent/guardian explaining the necessity
Emancipated minors don't need documentation but must have completed the Transmittal Form (DL 11) during permit application
Start Driving with Aceable Today!
Once you've received your DMV learner's permit, you can start practicing for a driver's license right away. When you get started, you’ll want to remember all of the important rules — especially that you shouldn’t drive without supervision or drive friends.
One last tip is to check if you need an appointment when you go to get your permit or license. That can save you from getting turned away at the DMV.
One key part of getting your license is enrolling in driver education and training. If you’re looking to start learning to drive, enroll in Aceable.