License Requirements

Age requirement

Be at least 16 years old.

Driver Education and Driver Training

Complete both Driver Education and Driver Training. You'll receive two certificates:

• Classroom Driver Education (DL 400B) or Online Driver Education (DL 400C). Take ours online
• Driver Training (DL 400D). Our behind-the-wheel training

Instruction permit

Hold a California instruction permit for at least 6 months. See permit requirements

Supervised driving practice

Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours of night driving. A parent or guardian must confirm this.

Behind-the-wheel driving test

Pass the driving test. You have 3 attempts. If you fail, there's a 2-week waiting period, and a retest fee (currently $9) applies to the second and third attempts. Check current DMV fees

Driving with a provisional license

Once you have your provisional license, you can drive alone. For the first 12 months:

• No driving between 11 PM and 5 AM.
• No transporting passengers under 20 unless you're accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver 25 or older.

Exceptions to the restrictions

Written exceptions may apply for medical, school, employment or family needs, signed by the right person (for example, a physician, school principal, employer or guardian).

Emancipated minors don't need to provide this documentation, but must submit Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P).