Class C
Drive common carsIf you are a California driver, or would like to become one, you will need a California driver's license. Getting your license is pretty simple. All you need to do is provide the correct documentation to the California DMV, understand the material and demonstrate your ability to drive safely. To save you some time, here is a step by step guide that you will need to follow to get a driver's license in California.
For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit
Class C
Drive common carsThis is the usual kind of driver's license. It allows you to drive common cars: 2-axle vehicles which gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) does not exceed 26,000 pounds, such as automobiles and vans with fewer than 15 occupants, including the driver. Valid for five years and will expire on your birthday.
Class A
Tow 10,000+ pound trailersAllows you to tow travel trailers whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds, and 5th-wheel travel trailers weighing over 15,000 pounds, as well as any vehicle that a Class C license allows you to drive. Also allows a farmer to drive a livestock trailer whose GVWR exceeds 10,000 pounds but does not exceed 15,000 pounds, as long as the vehicle is not being used in commerce.
Class B
Tow a single vehicle (GVWR not exc. 10,000 pounds)Allows you to tow a single vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds and 5th wheel travel trailers not exceeding 15,000 pounds, as well as any vehicle that a Class C license allows you to drive. With a housecar endorsement, you may also drive a housecar between 40 and 45 feet in length.
To apply for a Class C driver's license, you must first get an instruction permit certifying that you passed a vision exam and a written knowledge exam, then take a driving test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age:
I'm 15 ½ (First Timer)
I've never held a permit or license beforeWhat can I get? Instruction Permit Show me how
I'm 17 ½ (First Timer)
I've never held a permit or license beforeWhat can I get? Instruction Permit Show me how
I'm 16-17 ½ (Instruction Permit holder)
I've got an Instruction PermitWhat can I get? Provisional License Show me how
I'm 17+ (Provisional License Holder)
I've already got a Provisional LicenseWhat can I get? Full (Adult) License Show me how
I'm 18+
Both Instruction Permit holders and first timersWhat can I get? Full (Adult) License Show me how
What can I get: Instruction Permit
Plan of Action:
What can I get: Instruction Permit
Plan of Action:
What can I get: Provisional License
A provisional license allows you to drive the same kinds of vehicles that a full Class C driver's license would allow you to drive. Unlike the instruction permit that you have held, a provisional license allows you to drive unsupervised but with significant restrictions.
Provisional License Restrictions:
Plan of Action:
Apply for the Provisional License in person at your local DMV office. Currently, only four offices accept walk-ins as well as appointments; the rest are by appointment only. Make an appointment online or by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
Provisional License Requirements
What can I get: Full (Adult) License
On the lower right corner of your provisional license is the date on which you were issued this license. After 12 months or you turn 18, whichever comes first, the provisional license restrictions will no longer apply to you and the provisional license will be effectively a full class C driver license. You don’t need to get a new driver's license until your current license expires. You may, if you wish, have the DMV exchange your provisional license for a full driver's license which doesn't have the word "Provisional" on it, if you pay a $33 fee.
What can I get: Full (Adult) License
Plan of Action:
All questions are based on the information from California DMV handbook and are offered in several languages. Remember that you have to read the whole handbook to be familiar with the rules of the road, traffic signs, and driving laws. The questions are multiple choice with two wrong and one correct answer only.
In California, the number of knowledge test questions is different depending on how old you are. If you are under 18, you will get 46 questions, 38 of which will need to be answered correctly. If you are over 18, the written part of the driving test will have 36 questions. You must answer 30 questions correctly. Read the test questions very carefully. There will be one correct answer and the other two choices will be either wrong or not suitable for the question asked.
When you are familiar with the handbook and can easily take the practice test, you are ready. If you have passed the practice tests available at https://driving-tests.org/california/ and feel comfortable with your score, you are ready!
Absolutely NOT! This is not an open book test. The purpose of the test is to make sure you understand and apply the rules of the road. Moreover, the use of any kind of testing aid during the test will mean an automatic failure of the test, and the DMV may take additional sanctioning actions against your driving privilege, so please do not cheat.
After putting so much effort into studying, you don't want to make mistakes that you can easily avoid! The biggest error to avoid is rushing through questions. The DMV explicitly states that they are not trying to "trick" you. Just take your time and remember what you have studied.
There is no "easy" place. The ONLY place to take a permit test is at the DMV office. The easiest thing to do is be prepared. The test is computerized and the questions are randomly picked.
You may reschedule to take it again. You have three chances to pass it within the 12-month application period. You must wait 7 days before taking it again.
This exam is going to test your ability to drive safely and accurately. The test will last about 20 minutes.
You must bring a vehicle that is safe to drive, along with proof of its registration and proof of adequate insurance. You have three chances to pass the driving test; each time that you fail the test, you may not retake the test for another two weeks. You must make a separate appointment in advance for each driving test. You may make these appointments online or by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. The first test is free; subsequent tests will cost a modest fee. Call your local DMV office for more information.
Road Test FAQ →Your California driver's license is valid for five years and will expire on your birthday. Then you will have to renew it. About two months before your license expires, the DMV will mail a renewal notice to your address that they have on file. However, you may renew your driver's license at any time from six months before its expiration date to 60 days after its expiration date. The DMV offers three ways by which you may renew your license, depending on your age and status.
Renew in person
at your local DMV officeCurrently, only four offices accept walk-ins as well as appointments; the rest are by appointment only. You can make an appointment online or by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. You will receive a temporary license that will be valid for the next 90 days. You should receive your permanent license in the mail in the next 60 days.
Renew by mail
Fill out either the renewal notice or the form
You are eligible to renew your license by mail if you meet the following requirements:
1) Your license will expire no later than 60 days from now. 2) You will be younger than 70 years of age on the day that your license expires. 3) You do not have a driver's license from more than one jurisdiction. 4) You have not received two consecutive renewals by mail. 5) You are not on any kind of driving probation or license suspension. 6) You have not violated a written promise to appear in court within the last two years.
Renew online
$33 renewal fee
You are eligible to renew online if you are eligible to renew by mail and meet the following additional requirements:
1) You have registered as a certified user with the DMV. 2) Your address and personal description have not changed. 3) The DMV has verified your Social Security number. 4) You can pay the $33 renewal fee electronically by credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa), debit card, or eCheck.
If you become a resident of California and want to transfer your out-of-state or out-of country driver's license, you must apply for a California driver's license within ten days.
If you are visiting California and you are over 18, you may drive using your valid home state or country driver's license.
Not sure if you are a resident of California?
For purposes of motor vehicle licensing, California considers your residency as your state of domicile.
California defines your state of domicile as the state in which you have your true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which you intend to return whenever you leave it.
Evidence of residency for driver licensing purposes includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Exchanging a valid out-of-state driver's license
The procedure for transferring your out-of-state license is similar to that for applying for a new California driver's license.
That is, you must pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test. If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll have to pass a driving (road) test too. Otherwise, you won't have to take a driving test.
You must transfer your out-of-state license in person at your local DMV office. Currently, only four offices accept walk-ins as well as appointments; the rest are by appointment only. You can make an appointment online or by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
Plan of Action:
Note: If you have changed your name so it no longer matches that on your documentation, you must have Social Security update your name before you provide that documentation to the DMV.
Exchanging a valid foreign driver's license
The procedure for transferring your foreign license is similar to that for applying for a new California driver's license.
That is, you must pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test, and a driving test.
You must transfer your foreign license in person at your local DMV office. Currently, only four offices accept walk-ins as well as appointments; the rest are by appointment only. You can make an appointment online or by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
Plan of Action:
Note: If you are a noncitizen, you should not normally need a Social Security number to get a driver's license from the California DMV as long as you can provide documentation verifying your birthdate and legal presence in the US. However, if you wish to get a Social Security number or contact the Social Security Administration to learn more, please read this short publication from Social Security.