Prepare for the DMV Permit Test:
Review the DMV Driver Handbook – Remember, all the test questions are taken from the California Driver Handbook (PDF). The link to view the DMV handbook AND the DMV Parent-Teen Training Guide are in the footer of every page in our website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Start reviewing it while you wait for your certificate to arrive in the mail. The handbook contains vital information and may take you a few days to get through it.
Take Free DMV Practice Permit Tests
Before you go to DMV to take your permit test, take these DMV Sample Practice Tests and be prepared for the way the DMV phrases questions:
Requirements for getting your Driving Permit
To earn your California Driving Permit any minor must be:
- Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age
- Have completed a DMV approved driver education course,like MyCaliforniaPermit.com
- Have your DMV certificate of completion of driver education.
Once you are at least 15 1/2 years of age, you may take the DMV’s written test for your permit. You will to make a DMV appointment for the written test. When you do make an appointment we recommend waiting until you have your certificate in hand before calling to avoid rescheduling. Tests are not given after 4:30pm. DMV 1-800-777-0133
Be sure to take the following to the DMV Permit Test
- A parent/ legal guardian and or their signature(s) on a completed DL44 application
- Your DMV Certificate of Completion of Drivers Education (the pink DL 400C we send you for completing this course)
- Social Security Card and/or have the number
- Birth Certificate (certified copy) or birth date legal presence document
- Bring the application fee
- Be prepared for a vision test
DMV under 18 checklists for current requirements. They will ask for these at the appointment window. If you don’t have them, you won’t get past the window! You will also need to pay the DMV fee and have your picture taken, and give a thumbprint.
Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional permit. A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in a position close enough to take control of the vehicle. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.
If you did NOT pass the California Driving Permit test (the written test at the DMV) on your first try, please look at your application. You will see TWO different dates below your name. One says DATE ISSUED and the other says EXPIRATION DATE. You have ONE YEAR to complete the process of getting your permit AND your license, and the clock starts ticking from the day you pay the fee and submit the application. If the 6-month waiting period is beyond the EXPIRATION DATE, you will have to re-take the written test, pay another fee, and get another permit. PERMITS ARE NOT RENEWABLE.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You are required to keep your permit a minimum of 6 months, irrespective of when you turn 16. If you are already 16, you must still keep the permit for 6 months before you will be eligible for the driving test.
