How to get a California Driver's License
Find out how to get a new CA driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this California DMV guide.
The Rules
Under CA DMV guidelines, you must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a California Drivers License.
All applicants need to be familiar with the California Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a California learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive a CA drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months and must present a certificate of completion for the required 50 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New CA Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a California driver's license within 10 days of establishing a permanent residence in CA. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a CA driver's license, however you will need to pass the written exam and vision test. (Practice Test)
If your out-of-state driver's license has expired, you may be required to apply for a California interim license and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license.
International Drivers
California honors the International Driving Permit as long as it is accompanied by a valid license from the resident country. Licensees have 10 days after becoming a resident of the State to convert to a California license and are required to complete all the steps for a learners permit, including the written and driving portions of the drivers exam.
Paperwork
Before you head to the California DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Basic Class C Driver's License will be valid for 5 years. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
California Driver's Manual |
