Applying for an Instruction Permit

The instruction permit (learner’s permit) is your first step. You must get a permit before you can practice driving or take the behind-the-wheel test for your license.

How to Get Your Permit

1. Complete a License Application
   Fill out the Driver’s License/ID Card Application (DL 44) online or at a DMV office.

   If you’re under 18, your parent/guardian must sign it to give consent.

2. Submit Required Documents
   Provide documents that prove your:

   • Identity
   • Age
   • Social Security number (if you have one)
   • California residency

   Example: A 16-year-old might provide a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a school document with a California address.

3. Pay the Fee
   Pay the application fee (this covers your permit, driving test, and license).

   This fee is non-refundable.

4. Pass a Vision Test
   The DMV screening standard is 20/40 with both eyes together, and 20/40 in one eye with at least 20/70 in the other — with or without corrective lenses.

   • If you pass wearing glasses or contacts, your licence carries a corrective lenses restriction and you must wear them to drive.
   • If you do not pass, the DMV refers you to an eye specialist, who completes a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).

   Source: Vision Conditions, dmv.ca.gov — the figures are not in the handbook.

5. Pass the Knowledge Test
   Take a written multiple-choice test on:

   • Rules of the road
   • Road signs
   • Driving safety

   The test can be taken:

   • On a touchscreen computer at the DMV
   • Online with supervision

   It is available in many languages.

   You are allowed three attempts to pass before you must reapply.
   Minors must wait 7 days to retake a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure.
   No testing aids are allowed during the knowledge test — not the handbook, not your phone.

If you successfully complete steps 1–5, you will be issued an instruction permit.

Permit Usage

With a California instruction permit, you may only practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle.

• If under 18:
  The supervising adult must be:

  • Your parent or guardian, licensed driving instructor, or
  • A licensed adult age 25 or older

• If 18 or older:
  Any licensed adult age 18 or older may supervise you.

The supervising adult must sit in the front passenger seat at all times.
You are not allowed to drive alone — not even for short trips.

Important Note for Drivers Under 18

• Your permit is not valid until you begin behind-the-wheel driver training with a professional instructor.
• After your first lesson, the instructor will sign your permit to “validate” it.
• Once validated, you may practice with other qualified adults as well.

Your instruction permit is typically valid for 12 months.
If it expires before you obtain your license, you may need to reapply and retake the tests.