Lessons · Getting a permit and a license

Getting a permit and a license

Under 18: permit from 15½ with driver education (optional from 17½, but then no drive test before 18) and a parent's signature, usable once your instructor validates it. License from 16 after 6 months with the permit, driver education and training, and 50 hours of practice (10 at night) with a licensed driver 25 or older. First 12 months: no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 without a parent or a licensed driver 25 or older, unless a signed note covers an exception. Adult learners practice with a licensed driver 18 or older.

Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License (What You Need, Applying For An Instruction Permit, Driving Schools, Applying For A Driver's License, Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions)

Also drawn from:

California DMV, Fast Facts FFDL 19, Provisional Licensing (rev. 7/2019), Exceptions to Restrictions (when reasonable transportation is not available)
California DMV, Learner's Permits, FAQs: I'm almost 18. Do I need to take driver education/driver training (DE/DT) in order to get my instruction permit?
California DMV, What Is REAL ID?, With a U.S. passport or other federally accepted ID you do not need a REAL ID; it is recommended
California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 1: The California Driver's License (Class C, Card Designations, REAL ID, licenses for undocumented residents, ID cards)

Next step: From permit to license: the steps in California

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