From permit to license: the steps in California

Under 18

1. Before you apply, complete driver education and get its certificate (or proof you are enrolled in an integrated driver education and training program). You can apply from 15½. From 17½ you can get the permit without it, but you then cannot take the drive test before 18 unless you finish driver education and training.

2. Apply for the permit at a DMV office: application signed by your parents, documents, fee, fingerprint, vision test, photo, knowledge test.

3. Start behind-the-wheel training. Your instructor signs the permit, and only then can you practice. You need 6 hours of professional training in total.

4. Practice for at least 50 hours with a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 or older, or a driving instructor, 10 of those hours at night. Your parent signs the permit to certify the hours.

5. After holding the permit at least 6 months, and at 16 or older, book the drive test. Come with a licensed driver 25 or older, a safe insured and registered vehicle, and your signed permit.

6. Pass the drive test. You get a temporary license valid 60 days; the card arrives by mail in 3 to 4 weeks. Failed? Wait 14 days and pay the retest fee; three failures and you start over.

7. For the first 12 months: no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20, unless a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 or older or driving instructor rides with you (signed notes cover medical, school, work and family needs). Until you turn 18: no phone use at all while driving, even hands-free, except to call for emergency help or on private property.

18 or older

1. Apply for an instruction permit: application, documents, fee, vision test, knowledge test. No driver education is required.

2. Practice with a California-licensed driver at least 18 years old who sits close enough to take control.

3. Book and pass the drive test; bring a California-licensed driver 18 or older, an insured and registered vehicle, and your permit. You have three tries per application, and each retest has a fee.

Already licensed in another state? Get a California license within 10 days of becoming a resident; you take the vision and knowledge tests, and the drive test is usually waived. A license from another country also requires the drive test, and a licensed driver must come with you to and from it.

The application and its fee stay valid 12 months. If time runs out, you apply again.