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How Do I Get CA Driving Permit?

Driving Permit

Requirements for getting your Driving Permit

To earn your California provisional instruction permit, any minor must be at least 15½, but under 18 years of age and have completed a DMV approved driver education course, like MyCaliforniaPermit.com, and have received your DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C.

Once you are at least 15 1/2 years of age, you can take the DMV’s provisional (under 18) written instruction permit knowledge test at a DMV office to get your instruction permit. See the instruction permit page on the DMV website for current requirements. For DMV questions, call 1 (510) 862-8857.

What Happens After You Pass The Driver Ed Course?

Receive your pink DMV certificate of completion shipped by first class mail. Note: Please CONTACT US if your certificate has not arrived after 2 weeks. See the DMV Teen Drivers page for a detailed overview of the process and requirements.

Prepare For The DMV Permit Test - Read the DMV Handbook

Review the DMV California Driver Handbook. Remember, all of the test questions are taken from the California Driver Handbook (available online in multiple formats and languages). Links to the California Driver Handbook and the DMV Parent-Teen Training Guide are in the footer of every page in our website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Start reviewing it while you wait for your certificate to arrive in the mail. The handbook contains vital information and may take you a few days to fully study.

Take Free DMV Practice Permit Tests

Before you go to DMV to take your written instruction permit test, take these DMV Sample Practice Tests (Regular Driver – Class C) and be prepared for the way the DMV phrases questions. The practice tests are also available in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). There is no cost for these tests.

Be sure to take all of the following to the DMV:

At The DMV You Must:

See the instruction permit page on the DMV website for current requirements. You will also need to pay the DMV fee, have your picture taken, and give a thumbprint.

Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional instruction permit. A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in a position close enough to take control of the vehicle. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are required to keep your permit a minimum of 6 months, irrespective of when you turn 16. If you are already 16, you must still keep the permit for 6 months before you will be eligible for the driving test.

Need Help? Just Ask.

We want to make sure you receive everything you need to make your drivers education experience as simple and easy as possible. If you run into issues during registration, or if you just need a quick answer about California requirements, we’re here to help! Contact Us 7 days a week.