California Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your California learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: California DMV — Instruction and Learner's Permits ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in California
- Complete (or enroll in) an approved driver education program
- Apply with the DL 44, documents, and fee; pass the vision exam and knowledge test (80% to pass)
- Start behind-the-wheel training — the permit is not valid until the instructor signs it
- Hold the permit 6 months while completing 50 supervised hours (10 at night) and 6 hours of professional training
- Pass the driving test for the provisional license (curfew and passenger limits apply for 12 months)
California GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Curfew: No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months
- Passenger rule: No passengers under 20 during the first 12 months, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older
- Ends: Restrictions end after 12 months as a provisional driver or at age 18, whichever comes first
Documents you'll need
- California Driver's License application (DL 44) with parent/guardian signature
- Proof of identity
- Proof of California residency
- Certificate of completion/enrollment in driver education
The details
- Permit eligibility: Provisional instruction permit, ages 15½–17; requires driver education completion/enrollment and parent/guardian signature
- License fee: $46 — Original Class C application fee
- Permit validity: 12 months
- Practice hour details: With a licensed adult 25+ who certifies the hours; plus 6 hours of professional driver training
- Knowledge test: 80% to pass; Knowledge test must be started before 4:30 p.m. at the office; drive-test retake fee is $9
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in California?
You can get a learner's permit in California at 15½. Provisional instruction permit, ages 15½–17; requires driver education completion/enrollment and parent/guardian signature.
How long do you have to hold your permit in California?
You must hold your California permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does California require?
California requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the California permit test?
Right here — take a free California practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
