California Driver's License 2024: A Complete Guide

Table Of Content

Discover how to obtain your California learner's permit or driver's license. Renew your license, get a replacement, and clear your driving test with ease. Our guide provides step-by-step instructions, essential requirements, and valuable tips to expedite your driving journey.

How to Get Your License in California

If you're in California or plan to drive there, you'll need a CA driver's license. Getting it is easy. Just give the right documents to the California DMV, learn the material, and show you can drive safely. Here's a simple guide to getting your license in California.

1. Apply for an Instruction Permit

During this stage, you can practice driving under supervision.

2. Get a Restricted/Provisional License

This license lets you drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions.

3. Get a Full/Adult License

A full license lets you drive without any restrictions.

Types of California Driver's Licenses

There are four types of driver’s licenses in California. Explore each of them below.

Class C

This license covers driving typical passenger vehicles like cars and small trucks. It's the most common license type for personal transportation. With a Class C license, you can tow trailers under a certain weight limit and transport passengers for hire with the appropriate endorsements.

Class M

Specifically for motorcycle operation, this license allows riders to operate various types of motorcycles on California roads. It may require passing additional tests, such as a motorcycle skills test, depending on previous driving experience.

Class A

With a Class A license, drivers can operate combination vehicles, including trucks towing trailers. It permits driving vehicles with a GCWR of over 26,000 lbs. This is under the condition that the towed vehicle weighs over 10,000 lbs.

Class B

This license is for drivers operating single vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds or towing vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds. It covers buses, large delivery trucks, and other heavy vehicles but doesn't include trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)

CDLs are required for professional drivers operating commercial vehicles. They have specific endorsements for different vehicle types and cargo, such as hazardous materials or passenger transport. Obtaining a CDL typically involves passing written and skills tests. These tests depend on the specific class of license and endorsements required.

How to Apply for a Class C License in California

You must first obtain an instruction permit for a Class C driver's license. This confirms that you’ve successfully passed your vision and knowledge exam. You can take the driving test once you’ve gotten your instruction permit. Here’s a breakdown of the steps based on age:

• If you’re a first-timer between 15 ½ and 17 ½, apply for your instruction permit.

• If you’re an instruction permit holder between 16 and 17 ½, apply for your provisional license.

• If you’re a provisional license holder between 16 and 17 ½, apply for your full license.

• If you’re 18+ and are a first-timer or permit holder, you can apply for your adult license.

How to Apply for an Instruction Permit: A Guide for First-timers

If you’re 15 ½ and ready to drive, it’s time to get started on your license process. Here’s a step-by-step guide for first-time drivers to get their license:

1. Go to a Local DMV Office

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license. Presently, only four offices accept appointments and walk-ins. Others operate solely by appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the DMV. Check availability and any specific requirements before visiting the DMV to streamline your application process.

2. Fill and Submit an Application Form

You must fill out Form DL 44 when you visit the DMV office. Completing the application form online is preferable to save time. You won't need to print it; bring along the confirmation number. If you're under 18 years old, your parents or guardians can sign it at the DMV office. If you choose not to complete the application online, you can get the form from a DMV office, call them, or request one by mail.

3. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card

• Social Security number

• Birth certificate

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in California

Note: You don’t need to bring your SSN and proof of legal presence in the USA unless you apply for an AB 60 permit.

4. Give Your Thumb Impression

Once you’ve submitted your documents, the DMV representative will take your thumbprint.

5. Have Your Photograph Taken

After giving your thumbprint, get your picture taken.

6. Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without corrective lenses. Drivers failing the vision screening are referred to a vision specialist. The specialist must examine the driver and complete a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) form.

7. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Test

To obtain a California driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the DMV. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have only three chances to pass the test within 12 months. Luckily, study materials, like the California Driver Handbook, are available to help you prepare. Moreover, you can also take a free CA driver’s license practice test here to get started.

8. Pay for the Application

You must pay the application fee of $33. You can make the payment at a DMV office. If that’s not possible, you can also pay by cash, check, debit card, or money order. Credit card payments aren’t accepted in person.

9. Complete a Driver's ED Course

If you’re under 17 ½, you must take a driver’s training course. This is what a typical course includes:

• 25 hours of classroom instruction, online training, or homestudy

• 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night

• 6 hours of practice behind the wheel

• If you're over 17 ½, a Driver's Ed course isn't mandatory for obtaining an instruction permit. However, the DMV advises it for young drivers.

• If your name no longer matches the one on your documents, you must update your name with Social Security before providing the paperwork to the DMV.

What is a Junior Permit?

A junior permit is for those who are not 15 ½ yet but need to drive. However, you must be at least 14 to apply for one. One can get a junior permit in the following cases:

• You must drive unsupervised to school

• You have to drive to work to support your family

• You have to drive for medical reasons

If you tick any of the above boxes, you can apply for your junior permit.

Process for Applying for a Junior Permit

Here’s what you need to do to get a junior permit:

1. Before applying for a junior permit, you must have applied for a CA ID card.

2. You must complete the driver training or education course mandated for CA instruction permit applicants. This must be done within six months of your junior permit.

3. Complete the DL 120 form. Someone, such as your school principal, doctor, patient, ill family member, or employer, must fill out certain sections of the form. These parts explain your hardship and demonstrate the lack of alternative transportation options.

4. To apply for a driver's license or ID card, complete and submit Form DL 44. This form isn't accessible online. You can obtain it by visiting a DMV office or calling the DMV Telephone Service. They will mail you a copy. If you're under 18, your parents or guardian must sign the form. After completing the DL 44 and DL 120 forms, submit them to a local DMV.

How to Apply for a Restricted License

If you’re between 16 and 17 ½ with an instruction permit, consider applying for a restricted license.

A provisional license permits you to operate the same types of vehicles as a full Class C driver's license. Unlike the instructional permit you previously held, a provisional license grants unsupervised driving privileges but with notable limitations.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Go to a Local DMV Office

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license. Presently, only a few offices accept appointments and walk-ins. Others operate by appointment. You can schedule one online or by calling the DMV. Check availability and any specific requirements before visiting the DMV to streamline your application process.

Note: You must have an instruction permit for six months before applying.  Moreover, you will need to have completed your Driver’s ED.

2. Bring Required Documents

You will need to bring your signed instruction permit. It can be signed by your parents or driving instructor. This signifies that you’ve completed 50 hours of driving practice. Please remember that 10 hours of this must be at night.

3. Pass Your Driving Test

You will need to clear your driving test to prove that you’re capable of the provisional license.

Restrictions of a Provisional License

Here are certain restrictions that come with having a provisional license:

• You're prohibited from driving with passengers under 20. You must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or driver over 25.

• Driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. is not permitted. Exceptions include:

• Certified medical necessity by your doctor

• Employment necessity

• School-related activities certified by your dean or principal

• An immediate family member needs to be certified by the family member in writing.

Remember: You can’t use a cell phone or other communication devices while driving. However, if there’s an emergency, you’re allowed.

Note: You’ll find your license issuance date in the lower right corner. After a year or upon turning 18, the provisional license restrictions no longer apply. Your restricted license will function as a full Class C driver's license. There's no need to obtain a new driver's license until your present one expires. However, you have the option to exchange your restricted license for an adult one. You must only pay a fee of $33 at the DMV.

How to Apply for an Adult (Full License)

Have you turned 18? Have you held your provisional license for a year? Well, that’s great! You’re ready for your adult driver’s license.

• Start with the first step if you’ve never held a license.

• Start with the 8th step if you have an instruction permit and are over 18.

1. Apply for Your Instruction Permit

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license. Presently, only four offices accept appointments and walk-ins. Others operate solely by appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the DMV. Check availability and any specific requirements before visiting the DMV to streamline your application process.

2. Fill and Submit an Application Form

You must fill out Form DL 44 when you visit the DMV office. Completing the application form online is preferable to save time. You won't need to print it; bring along the confirmation number. If you're under 18 years old, your parents or guardians can sign it at the DMV office. If you choose not to complete the application online, you can get the form from a DMV office, call them, or request one by mail.

3. Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without corrective lenses.

4. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card

• Social Security number

• Birth certificate

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in California

5. Give Your Thumb Impression

Once you’ve submitted your documents, the DMV representative will take your thumbprint.

6. Have Your Photograph Taken

After giving your thumbprint, get your picture taken.

7. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Test

To obtain a California driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the DMV. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have only three chances to pass the test within 12 months. Luckily, study materials, like the California Driver Handbook, are available to help you prepare. Moreover, you can also take a free CA driver’s license practice test here to get started.

8. Pay for the Application

You must pay the application fee of $33. You can make the payment at a DMV office. If that’s not possible, you can also pay by cash, check, debit card, or money order. Credit card payments aren’t accepted in person.

9. Pass the Driver’s Test

There's no mandatory waiting period for adults to hold the instruction permit. You're free to take your driving test whenever you feel prepared.

Final License Checklist

Here's the final checklist to obtain your license:

• Your instruction permit demonstrates you passed the knowledge test and vision exam.

• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.

• Proof of residency.

• Documentation showing you passed the driving test.

Once these requirements are fulfilled, you will get a temporary license. This will be valid for 90 days. You will receive your permanent license in the mail. It will be before the temporary one expires.

Replacing or Renewing Your California Driver’s License

If your license is lost, damaged, or expired, you’ll need a new one. There are three ways to do that:

In Person

At present, only four offices accept both walk-ins and appointments, while the others operate on an appointment-only basis. You can schedule an appointment online or by contacting the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Upon completion of the process, you'll receive a temporary license valid for 90 days. Expect your permanent license to arrive by mail within the next 60 days.

Online

If you're eligible to renew by mail, you're also eligible to renew online if you meet these extra conditions:

• You're registered as a certified user with the DMV.

• Your address and personal details haven't changed.

• The DMV has verified your SSN.

• You can pay the renewal fee of $33 electronically using a credit card. The DMV accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, debit card, or eCheck.

By Mail

Complete either the renewal notice or the form. You qualify to renew your license by mail if you meet these criteria:

• Your license expires within the next 60 days.

• You'll be under 70 years old when your license expires.

• You hold only one driver's license.

• You haven't renewed by mail twice in a row.

• You're not under any driving probation or license suspension.

• You haven't violated a written court appearance promise in the last two years.

How Can New Residents Get a California Driver’s License

Have you become a resident of California? Apply for your license within ten days. That’s mainly if you wish to transfer your out-of-state or out-of-country driver's license.

What Do I Do If I Have an Out-of-State License?

Transferring your out-of-state license to California is like applying for a new license. You'll need to pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test. You must pass a driving test if your out-of-state license has expired. However, if it's still valid, a driving test won't be required. The transfer must be done in person at your local DMV. Presently, only four offices accept walk-ins and appointments. The rest operate on an appointment-only basis. Appointments can be made online or by calling the DMV.

How to Apply for Your License

Here’s the process to follow to get your out-of-state license.

1. Fill and Submit an Application Form

You must fill out Form DL 44 when you visit the DMV office. Completing the application form online is preferable to save time. You won't need to print it; bring along the confirmation number. If you're under 18 years old, your parents or guardian can sign it at the DMV office. If you choose not to complete the application online, you can get the form from a DMV office, call them, or request one by mail.

2. Submit Your Other State License

Turn in your out-of-state license with your application.

3. Give Your Thumb Impression

The DMV representative will take your thumbprint.

4. Have Your Photograph Taken

After giving your thumbprint, get your picture taken.

5. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card

• Social Security number

• Birth certificate

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in California

6. Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without corrective lenses.

7. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Test

To obtain a California driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the DMV. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have only three chances to pass the test within 12 months. Luckily, study materials, like the California Driver Handbook, are available to help you prepare. Moreover, you can also take a free CA driver’s license practice test here to get started.

8. Pass the Driver’s Test

There's no mandatory waiting period for adults to hold the instruction permit. You're free to take your driving test whenever you feel prepared.

9. Pay for the Application

You must pay the application fee of $33. You can make the payment at a DMV office. If that’s not possible, you can also pay by cash, check, debit card, or money order. Credit card payments aren’t accepted in person.

What Do I Do If I Have a Foreign Driver’s License?

Transferring your foreign license to California is like applying for a new license. You'll need to pass a vision exam, written knowledge test, and road test. The transfer must be done in person at your local DMV office. Currently, only four offices accept both walk-ins and appointments. The rest operate on an appointment-only basis. Appointments can be made online or by calling the DMV.

How to Apply for Your License

Here’s the process to follow to transfer your foreign license to California.

1. Fill and Submit an Application Form

You must fill out Form DL 44 when you visit the DMV office. Completing the application form online is preferable to save time. You won't need to print it; bring along the confirmation number. If you're under 18 years old, your parents or guardians can sign it at the DMV office. If you choose not to complete the application online, you can get the form from a DMV office, call them, or request one by mail.

2. Submit Your Foreign License

Turn in your foreign license with your application.

3. Give Your Thumb Impression

The DMV representative will take your thumbprint.

4. Have Your Photograph Taken

After giving your thumbprint, get your picture taken.

5. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card

• Social Security number

• Birth certificate

• Documentation of legal presence in the US

• Proof of residency in California

6. Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without corrective lenses.

7. Give and Pass a Written Knowledge Test

To obtain a California driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test administered by the DMV. This test evaluates your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have only three chances to pass the test within 12 months. Luckily, study materials, like the California Driver Handbook, are available to help you prepare. Moreover, you can also take a free CA driver’s license practice test here to get started.

8. Pass the Driver’s Test

There's no mandatory waiting period for adults to hold the instruction permit. You're free to take your driving test whenever you feel prepared.

9. Pay for the Application

You must pay the application fee of $33. You can make the payment at a DMV office. If that’s not possible, you can also pay by cash, check, debit card, or money order. Credit card payments aren’t accepted in person.