A step-by-step guide to getting your California Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
California uses a two-phase Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. Phase 1 — Instruction Permit starts at 15½ with driver education and parent/guardian signature. Phase 2 — Provisional Driver's License starts at 16 after holding the instruction permit at least 6 months, finishing driver training, and logging 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night). Provisional restrictions automatically lift at age 18.
Minimum age: 15½. Hold for at least 6 months (or turn 18) before the behind-the-wheel drive test. Requires driver education + parent/guardian signature (under 18).
Age 16. Restricted driving for the first 12 months — no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m., no passengers under 20 without parent/guardian or licensed 25+ supervisor. Restrictions lift at 18.
At age 18. All GDL restrictions lifted. California driver's licenses can be renewed online at dmv.ca.gov/dlservices; in-person renewal may be required depending on age and vision.
You must be at least 15½ years old. Under 18: complete a DMV-approved driver education program and have a parent or guardian sign to accept financial responsibility (both parents must sign if they share joint custody).
Begin your Driver's License & ID Card Application at dmv.ca.gov/dl. Then make an office appointment at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment.
Bring each of these to your DMV appointment:
A DMV vision test is given first (with your glasses or contacts if you use them). Then pass the knowledge test — 83% (30 correct out of 36 for adults, or 38 out of 46 for minors). Three attempts before you must reapply. Minors must wait 7 days between failed knowledge tests.
Pay the DMV's non-refundable application fee at the office. Under 18: your instruction permit is not valid for driving until a licensed driver training instructor validates it — you cannot drive on the permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training.
Be at least 16 years old, have held the instruction permit for 6 months, and completed both driver education and driver training.
Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a California-licensed driver 25 or older — 10 hours must be at night. Use the DMV's Parent Teen Driving Contract to track progress (dmv.ca.gov/teendriver).
Schedule at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment. Bring your instruction permit, a California-licensed driver 25+, a safe vehicle with valid insurance and registration, and proof you completed driver education and driver training. Minors wait 14 days between failed drive tests.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual