How To Get a California Driver’s License

Written By: Arabella Kats, Staff Writer

INFORMATION: Getting a driver’s license can be complicated; learn how here.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a California driver’s license (DL) is a “card which gives you permission to operate a motor vehicle… [and] includes your true full name, birthdate, mailing address, signature, photograph, and physical description.” Drivers licenses are important, especially considering how much of the modern world is built to accommodate cars, trucks and other similar vehicles. 

There are two main types of drivers licenses: commercial and noncommercial. Most people only need a basic, Class C driver’s license, which allows for “a standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways.” Housecars, motorhomes, travel or fifth wheel trailers, and motorcycles all require different licenses, but still fall under the noncommercial category.

Forty years ago, the process to acquire one was simpler, not even requiring people to take a Driver Education class. Now, the process is much more complicated. 

If you are under 18 years old, the first step is to get a “provisional instruction permit” often called a “learners permit.” Once you are at least 15½ years old, you will need:

• Certificate of completion/enrollment of Driver Education 
  • Driver Education and Driver Training (DE/DT) may be provided by a “public or private secondary school or a driving school licensed by the DMV.” For people under the age of 18, this can include the following courses:
    • 25 hours of classroom instruction, home study or internet training program (equivalent to classroom instruction)
    • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training (no more than 2 hours per day; with certified instructor)
    • 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be at night/dark)

• Completed California Driver’s License or ID Card application 
• Parent/Guardian signature on the application
• A scheduled appointment to a DMV office where you:
  • Bring your California identification card or proof of identity and residency
  • Pay application fee
  • Take vision exam
  • Take photo
  • Take knowledge test (multiple choice questions based on the “California Driver Handbook”, passing score is 80%)

Once all the requirements for the provisional instruction permit have been met, there are only a couple more things before becoming eligible to take your driving test:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have had your learners permit for a minimum of six months
• Completed all the requirements for Driver Education and Driver Training (as mentioned above)
• Provide “proof of financial responsibility (insurance) that meets or exceeds California insurance requirements”

Once all of this has been completed, you can contact the DMV to make an appointment for your driving test. If you fail the test, you have to wait 14 days to retake it, with a $7 fee. If you fail the test three times,  you must re-apply. The process of getting a driver’s license may sound stressful and overwhelming, however the system is set up to help you, and learning how to drive should be fun, as well as allow you new freedom and independence for all the years to come. Best of luck to you!

For additional information head to www.dmv.ca.gov.