Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’S for PROVISIONAL LEARNER'S PERMIT CLASS C (UNDER 18)

Q. How long must I have my learner's permit if I am under 18?
A. You must maintain your learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months before you can get you license.

Q. How old must I be to take driver education and behind- the-wheel classes?
A. You must be 15 years old to take driver education classes and 15 1/2 years old to take behind- the-wheel classes.

Q. How old must I be to apply for a learner's permit?
A. Minimum age is 15 1/2 years old.

Q. What are the restrictions or provisions put on my learner's permit?
A. You must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when you:

• Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time, for the first twelve months.
• Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months

Q. When I go down to apply for my learner's permit, what do I need to take with me?

A. Be prepared and bring identification documents, as well as:

• Application Form DL 44 - you can get this at the DMV field office. Obtain your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44. (When parents or guardians sign for a minor to get a driver's license, they are stating that they will accept financial responsibility for the minor.) Parents will also need to call their auto insurance agent to check what adjustments need to be made to include a teen driver into their policy.
• your social security number.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence.
• Be ready to have your picture taken for your driver's license. This photo will be your primary identification for four years.
• Bring certificates of completion DL 387 Driver Education (pink) and DL 392 Certificate of Enrollment in Driver Training (white).
• Give a thumb print.
• Pay the $28 application fee. This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver's license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.
• Pass a vision exam.
• Pass a traffic laws and signs test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait seven days before taking it again. This gives you time to study. It would be a good idea to take the DriversEd.com practice tests online.

Q. What type of test does the DMV require you to take to get your learner's permit?
A. A 46 question written quiz. You need to get 39 correct. If you do not pass, you must wait one week before taking another test.  You also have to take a vision test.

Q. Is it possible to obtain a learner's permit without taking a driver education class?
A. You may apply for a learner's permit at the age of 17 1/2, but you will not be issued a license until you either take a driver education course, or turn 18 years of age.

Q. Do I have to apply for my learner's permit at the DMV closest to my house?
A. You may apply for a learner's permit at any DMV in the State of California.

Q. What's the best source of study material to prepare for the learner's permit test?
A. California Driver Handbook, and materials issued to you by your driving school.

Q. When I obtain my learner's permit, is it legal for me to begin driving right away?
A. Before driving, you must first take one driving lesson with a professional driving instructor. This lesson validates your permit.

Q. Do my parents or guardian always have to be with me when I drive?
A. You may drive with anyone who is 25 years of age or older, with a valid California license only with your parents' permission.

Q. How long is my learner's permit good for?
A. One year.

Q. Is it OK to drive with my learner's permit in another state?
A. As long as you have someone with you 25 years of age or older.

Q. With my learner's permit can I drive with my friends in the car?
A. Yes, as long as you have someone with you who is 25 years of age or older with a valid California driver's license.

Q. Do I always have to carry my learner's permit?
A. Yes, if you are driving.

Q. If I fail my learner's permit test, do I have to pay another $28?
A. No, you are able to take it three times for $28.

Q. If I lose my learner's permit, will I have to pay for a new one?
A. No, you may obtain a copy from your local DMV.

Q. Is it OK to drive with a learner's permit after dark?
A. You may drive anytime day or night as long as you have a licensed driver 25 years of age or older with you.