driver’s license, you must be 18 or older. You must also provide proof of your Social Security number, lawful presence, and identity. You are not required to take a driver’s education course. However, you must have your California driver’s permit for a minimum of 6 months with no violations or accidents.

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

What are the requirements for a driver’s license in California?

You need to be

at least 18 years old

to get your Class C California license. The following documents are also requirements for a California driver’s license if you’re over 18:

Completed and signed

Driver License & ID Card Application (DL 44/eDL 44) form

Instruction permit that has been held for more than six months

Proof of viable Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, paycheck showing your name and SSN, or a signed affidavit stating you are not eligible for an SSN

Proof of legal residency in California

: Rental agreement, mortgage document, or utility bills

Proof of identity: U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, U.S. Armed Forces ID Cards, Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card, or a foreign passport with a valid I-94. The I-94 expiration date

The DMV website provides a complete list of acceptable documents for your license application.

What are the requirements for young drivers?

Californian minors aged 15 ½-18 who want to get a driver’s license must first apply for a provisional instruction permit. Their application will need to be signed by their parent(s) or guardian(s). They must also complete a knowledge test before being issued a provisional instruction permit.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, minors will also need the following documents:

A completed

California Driver’s License or Identification (DL/ID) Card Application

A certificate of completion of driver education or certificate of enrollment in an integrated (classroom) driver education and driver training program

Proof of financial responsibility: Proof of insurance coverage that meets

the state's minimum requirements

Drivers with a provisional instruction permit must drive with supervision until the age of 17 ½. They can then apply for the California DL/ID card once they reach 18 years old.

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

If you are considered a resident in California, you'll need to transfer an out-of-state driver’s license. You must first pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test, but you will not need to do a road test unless your out-of-state license is expired.

The transfer must be done at your

local DMV office

. Check to see if you can walk in or if it’s appointment-only before heading in.

MORE:

Penalties for driving without insurance in California

How to get a driver’s license in California

For new drivers: take the TLSAE course

One of the license requirements for new California drivers is taking a

Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE)

. This course can be taken online or in-class, and you will learn the essentials of California traffic laws, especially those related to road safety and alcohol use.

Vision test

You will need to complete a vision test before getting your license—for the safety of yourself and others. You must pass the test with or without corrective lenses and have a visual acuity better than 20/200. A minimal uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 is required for an unrestricted license. A minimal corrected visual acuity of 20/70 is required for a restricted license.

You must wear your prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses during the test to make sure the prescription is correct.

Knowledge exam

Once you’ve completed the TLSAE course and passed your vision test, the next step is to take the written knowledge exam. This written portion of your driving test will be done on a TouchScreen Terminal at the DMV.

Study for your written exam using the

California Driver Handbook

, which covers all the materials you will need to pass the test.

To pass your Knowledge Exam, you must answer 38 out of 46 questions correctly, or 83%. If you fail more than 3 times, your application will be disqualified and you will have to reapply.

Road test

The last step to get your California driver’s license is a road test. This can be scheduled at any local DMV or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Keep in mind that you’ll need to show your proof of insurance before the test. You’ll also need to provide your own vehicle, which must have:

A working horn, brakes, tires, steering wheels, turn signals, rear-view mirrors, and brake lights

Functional windshield wipers, headlights, and seatbelts

Good visibility through all windows

A valid license plate

Adequate fuel

You will need to provide all of your documents for the California driving test. You may be required to perform the following during the exam:

A three-point turn

Approaching an intersection

Observe right of way

Maintaining proper speed

Parking in standard conditions and on a hill

A quick stop from 20 mph

Moving in reverse for about 50 feet

Signaling, turning, and passing

Staying in your lane

The examiner will take note of your performance to make sure you’re obeying traffic laws, such as correctly following all traffic signals, including stop signs. They’ll also notice your following distance and whether your posture is correct. There is a $7 retesting fee if you do not pass the first time.

After passing your road test, you can show your documents and pay the $39 licensing fee for your California driver’s license. You will also have your photograph taken and your fingerprint scanned. The license appropriate for your age and status will then be issued to you.

MORE:

How to find a defensive driving course in California

How to save money on car insurance in California

Getting your driver’s license is exciting, and if you want to start driving ASAP, you’ll need to have a valid

auto insurance policy

If you’d rather leave the hard work of gathering quotes to someone else, use

Jerry

. Our

trusted super app

can collect

free car insurance quotes

from more than 50

top insurance companies

, like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive, in seconds.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy!

“I’m 21 and my insurance rates have been really high for a while. In less than 30 minutes,
Jerry
switched my car insurance and cut my costs in half! I recommend Jerry to my friends now!” —Liliana E.

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

What do I need for a California driver’s license?

You will need your California instruction permit, valid identification, a Social Security number (or equivalent), and proof of residential address to get your driver’s license in California. You will also need a completed and signed Driver License & ID Card Application (DL 44/eDL 44) form.

How much does it cost to get a California driver’s license?

The fee for a Class D California driver’s license is $39.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry