How to Get a California Driver's License as an Adult
How to Get a California Driver's License as an Adult
Whether you’re new to driving or new to California, getting your California-state driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Golden State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. California requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full California license. This article will help you navigate the California licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!
Summary
If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your California Driver’s License:
- Apply for a California Instruction Permit
- Pass the Knowledge Test
- Practice driving!
- Pass the California Behind-the-Wheel Test
Do You Need a California Permit as an Adult?
First time drivers over 18 need a California Permit. License applicants, regardless of age, who do not hold a current, valid license from another U.S. State must first apply for a California Driving Permit. This includes first time drivers who are 18 years of age or older. It is important to note any applicant who is 18 or older is not required to take any type of Driver’s Education before applying for their permit. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers 18 and over enroll in both a classroom and practical driver’s education course to both ensure safety on the road.
How to Get a Permit in California Over 18
New drivers over 18 have two options when applying for their California Driving Permit:
- They may complete their preliminary application materials online through the DMV Website.
- They may complete all application materials in-person at a DMV Office. Note, applicants choosing this option are not able to pre-print any application forms and must fill out their paperwork in full at the DMV Office when they arrive.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, online applications for a license or permit take, on average, only 9 minutes. Not only is applying online faster, but you can also save yourself the time and stress of having to wait at the DMV Office.
Online Application
Create an Account
If you are new to the California DMV website, you must first register with your email to create an account. Please note that the DMV website uses Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to ensure the security of your online account and personal information. Be sure to keep your phone nearby when logging into the DMV website, as you will be prompted to access your text messages or email to enter your 2FA code.
Enter Your Personal Information
After you have created your account, follow the prompts to apply for a California Instruction Permit. You will be asked to provide certain information such as your name, birthdate, address, and Social Security number. Remember, you are applying for a Class C license, which will allow you to operate a normal, passenger vehicle on California public roads.
Once you have completed your application, you will be issued a confirmation code from the DMV. Be sure to record this code in addition to saving any confirmation emails you will receive from the California DMV. You will need this information for your in-person visit to a DMV Office.
Make an Appointment
In order to complete the instruction permit application process, you will need to visit a DMV Office. After completing your preliminary online application, visit the DMV Appointments page to schedule your in-person visit to your local DMV.
Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing
Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the DMV. These will include:
- Proof of Identity and California Residency (Federal Non-Compliant/Real ID)
- These documents may include a birth certificate, Social Security Card, or a Passport. What’s the difference between a RealID and a Federal Non-Compliant ID? Read more here.
- Payment for any application fees.
- Note, the California DMV will accept cash, an ATM/debit card, credit card, digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay), a cashier's check, or money order made payable to DMV.
You will also be required to have your photo taken and pass a vision exam and written exam (knowledge test) at the time of application.
The Vision Exam
The DMV uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision exam. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your instruction permit.
How Many Questions are on the California Permit Test?
You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued a California Instruction Permit. The written test is based on information found in the California Driver’s Handbook and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices.
There are 46 questions on the permit test. You need to answer at least 38 correctly in order to pass your test.
Each question on the DMV Knowledge Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 83% on your Knowledge Test in order to pass and receive your Instruction Permit. If you fail the written test more than three times, you will be required to reapply for your permit. Note that applicants 18 and older are not required to wait in between attempts at the knowledge test, but must schedule each attempt through the DMV website.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles website has a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the California Driver’s Handbook and take as many practice tests as possible in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam.
Getting Your Instruction Permit
After you have passed your Knowledge Test, you will be issued your Instruction Permit. For your permit to be valid, you must sign the first page. Be certain you inspect your permit for any errors, including misspellings of your name, inaccurate birthdate, and correctional lens restrictions before leaving the DMV.
Can You Practice With a Permit in California?
Instruction permits are generally valid for between 6 and 12 months from the date of issuance. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your permit - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date. Note, there is no mandatory waiting period after the issuance of an instruction permit to any driver who is 18 and over. Permit holders may schedule their road test at any point after they have received their instruction permit, as long as that permit remains valid.
Your permit is not a license to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Instruction Permit holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 18 years of age or older holding a valid California license. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is operating the motor vehicle. Permit holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from the DMV.
California does not require permit holders 18 and over to complete any type of driver training or minimum hours behind the wheel. This being said, it is a good idea to practice your driving with a trusted loved one or, even better, a qualified driving instructor before attempting your road test.
Taking the DMV Road Test in California
Before making your road test appointment, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found in the California Driver’s Handbook. You may also preview the official DMV score sheet here.
Before you set off for the DMV for the road test, be certain you have the following documents with you:
- Valid, signed Instruction Permit
- Vehicle registration and proof of California insurance
- California license of an accompanying driver who is 18 or older
- An accompanying driver must be present in the passenger seat at all times prior to the road test. The DMV Examiner will inform you when the accompanying driver may leave the vehicle.
Remember! You will be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights and defroster. You will also be required to demonstrate the arm signals for left, right, and stop.
Getting Your Full California Driver’s License
Once you pass your road test, you will be issued a temporary paper license which will serve as your full driving license until your permanent license arrives in the mail. Don't forget to sign your temporary license! Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restriction on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road.
About the Author
Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.