- Restricted License in California – What are the rules? When you are arrested for a DUI, the police officer gives you a temporary license, after taking away your physical driver’s license. You would not need a restricted license after arrest, as you the temporary license is a full license, with all driving.
- Mar 10, 2014 Driver’s License Permit Restrictions This restriction is applicable for the initial 6 months after you get the driver license and will be allowed to drive only with a certified instructor, a parent or a guardian sitting in the passenger seat just as in driving while you are on the learner’s permit.
Applying for a California Driver's License
Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV. Figuring out the steps to take to apply for a new driver's license can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. DMV.ORG has gathered all the information you'll need to make getting your license as easy as possible.
How to get a driver's license with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
- Visit your local CA DMV office.
- Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application.
- Provide proof of your identity, Social Security Number, and residency.
- Pay the $36 driver's license fee.
- Pass the written test.
- Pass the road test.
- For more details on the California licensing requirements, please see below.
California residents who cannot provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. are now able to get a CA driver's license. Please visit our CA AB-60 Law page for regulations and required documents for an AB-60 license.
New to California?
Just Moved? Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
You must apply for a California driver license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state.
Residency is generally established when you take part in situations or benefits generally not extended to nonresidents, such as:
Note, however, that the California DMV will most likely waive your driving exam if you already hold a license* UNLESS your license is from another country (see our section on non-citizens below).
If you've never been licensed before, you will be given a permit once you pass your written permit test so you can practice driving before your driving test.
If you've been licensed before, skip the learner's permit section.
* Waived driving exams are at the discretion of the California DMV, so be prepared to take one if they ask you to.
Types of California Driver's Licenses
California has the following full, noncommercial driver's licenses:
- Class C:
- The Class C license allows you to drive regular, noncommercial passenger cars and trucks.
- Noncommercial Class A:
- The Noncommercial Class A license covers not-for-hire travel trailers weighing more than 10,000 lbs, fifth-wheel travel trailers weighing more than 15,000 lbs, and livestock trailers weighing more than 10,000 lbs but no more than 15,000 lbs.
- Noncommercial Class B:
- You can drive a house car (RV or motor home) up to 45 feet (no longer).
If you need another type of license, check out the following pages:
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- Teen Drivers
- Covers CA's GDL process, including Driver's Ed requirements, provisional permits, and provisional licenses.
- Motorcycles
- CA offers M1 and M2 licenses for motorcyclists.
- Commercial Vehicles
- Find out how to get your Class A, B, and C commercial driver license (CDL), as well as how to add endorsements.
California Driver's License Requirements
CA REAL ID License Update
The California DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to standard non-compliant driver’s licenses. The REAL ID allows you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings after October 1, 2020. You can choose to receive either a REAL ID or a standard driver's license—details are outlined below.
Before heading to the DMV, find out whether you need to apply for a new license.
You DO need a new California driver license if:
- You're a long-time CA resident who's never been licensed.
- You're new to California and want to:
- Apply for a California driver's license.
- Transfer an out-of-state license.
- You plan to operate any of the Noncommercial Class A and B vehicles described above (“Types of CA Driver Licenses').
- You have legal presence in the state and country.
- You do not need a new California driver license if you possess a diplomatic driver license issued by the U.S. Department of State.
You do NOTneed a California driver license if:
- You're 18 years old or older and visiting CA with a valid out-of-state driver's license.
- You're an active military member or dependent stationed in California, as long as you have a valid out-of-state license and you haven't established CA residency.
- You operate farm vehicles off public highways.
- You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing them.)
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Obtain a California Learner's Permit
“Apply for Your CA Driver's License' below will explain at what point during the application process you 'll receive your learner's permit.You must obtain a learner's permit before getting a full Class C or Noncommercial Class A or B license IF you've never held one of these licenses before.
Apply for Your CA Driver's License
To apply for a new California driver's license, you must not have any discrepancies such as suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or other legal matters preventing you from possessing a valid driver's license. (Learn how to check your driving record.)
Class C License
To apply for your Class C driver's license in California:
Ace Your Exam on the First Try!
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- Make an appointment with your local DMV for the vision and written exams.
- NOTE: No tests are administered after 30 minutes before closing.
- Complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application.
- This form isn't available online. You can pick one up at the DMV or call the DMV's Automated Telephone Service at (800) 777-0133 to have one mailed to you.
- Provide proof of your Social Security number*, such as your:
- Social Security card.
- Military ID card.
- Provide proof of your full and true name. The CA DMV provides a list of documents, including documents that show:
- Marriage or verification of domestic partnership formation.
- Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership.
- Name change. (Must include original and new names.)
- Provide 1 document (original or certified) that proves your birth date and legal presence from the state's list of documents, which includes:
- U.S. birth certificate.
- U.S. passport.
- Present proof of California residency; either:
- 1 document for a non-compliant driver's license.
- 2 documents for a REAL ID-compliant license (the DMV provides a list to choose from).
- Have your thumbprint taken.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pass the vision exam.
- Pay the $36 fee.
- Pass the written permit test.
- The written exam consists of questions on traffic laws and signs. You have 3 chances to pass.
* If you're a non-citizen who's legally present but doesn't have an SSN, or you're not eligible for an SSN, you're exempt from this requirement. Learn more at “Getting a California Driver's License as a Non-Citizen' below.
At this point—and once you pass your written test— the California DMV will issue you a learner's permit (if applicable). Use this permit to practice for your driving test. You must practice with a licensed driver who holds the same class of license and is at least 18 years old.
There is no minimum time you must hold the learner's permit. If you think you're ready, you can schedule a driving test as early as the next day.
Take Your Driving Test
Now it's time to move on to your driving test:
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- Make an appointment with the California DMV.
- Appointments are mandatory for this test.
- Show up with a vehicle and:
- Proof of registration.
- Proof of insurance.
Note that:
- You have 3 chances to pass the driving test.
- There is no minimum waiting period between driving tests, but you must make an appointment for each one.
- The first test is included in your application fee; each test after that costs $7.
Once you pass your driving exam, you'll receive a temporary driver's license that's good for 90 days. The DMV mails your permanent license; if you don't receive it within 60 days, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status.
Noncommercial Class A or B License
You'll apply for a Noncommercial Class A or B license the same way you would apply for a Class C license (see above), with just a few exceptions.
- You'll complete the Commercial Driver's License Application.
- A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876)
- A completed Medical Examination Report (Form MCSA-5876)
- Your fee is $36.
Once you meet those requirements, the California DMV will issue your Noncommercial Class A or B permit. The same practicing restrictions apply, only your accompanying driver must have a full Noncommercial Class A or B license.
To upgrade your Noncommercial Class A or B permit to a full license:
- Make an appointment with a CDL office.
- Bring either the Noncommercial Class A or Class B vehicle with you.
- Pass the pre-trip and safety inspections.
- Pass the skills and driving exams.
After you pass, the DMV will give you an interim license until you receive your permanent driver's license in the mail. If you don't receive your permanent license in 60 days, contact the DMV at (800) 777-0133 to check the status.
Non-Citizens and California Driver's Licenses
You will follow the same new California driver's license application process as described above, paying close attention to:
- Your Social Security number*. The DMV might waive this if BOTH of the following apply to you:
- You are not authorized to work in the country or are otherwise ineligible.
- You can provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
- Your birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document.
- This document shows your birth date and legal presence in the country.
- The DMV verifies this document with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- The state provides a full list of documents, but examples include:
- Employment Authorization Card.
- Valid I-94.
- Temporary Resident Identification Card.
* Learn more about applying for a SSN at the Social Security Administration's Social Security number website.
Timing is a factor, too. If your BD/LP expires:
- More than 30 days from the day you apply for a driver's license, your application process will move forward normally.
- Fewer than 60 days from the day you apply for a driver's license, you can take all your tests but you won't receive a photo driver's license card until you present another BD/LP document that's valid for 60 days or more from the date of your application.
After you've met all requirements and the USCIS has verified your legal presence, you'll receive your driver's license. Your driver's license is considered a:
- Limited Term (LT) driver's license if your BD/LP expires fewer than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.
- Full driver's license if your BD/LP expires more than 5 years from the date you applied for your license.
NOTE: Again, you do not need a new California driver's license if you possess a valid diplomatic driver license from the U.S. Department of State.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
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1. Get Started Online With New Drivers License Assistance
New drivers licenses cannot be obtained online or by mail. Instead, you must apply for a new license in person at a local DMV. While there, you must pass a vision screening, a written exam and a skills test. To make sure that you are prepared, download our informative online drivers license guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to complete this application easily and quickly. In it, you will get in-depth details on how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as updating personal information on your license, renewing your license and replacing a lost one.
2. In Person at the DMV
To obtain a new drivers license at the DMV, you must submit identification documents and pass mandatory tests. A birth certificate or passport can verify your name and age, and a utility bill can prove your state residency. Generally, you must pass a written knowledge exam and a road skills test. You must also fill out a drivers license application form and pay the applicable fees. However, you may not know which forms to complete or if you are already eligible to take your exams. Arriving at the DMV unprepared may result in long wait times and potential mistakes, which could mean having to redo the process.
Without a valid California drivers license, you are not legally authorized to operate a motor vehicle in the state. Thus, it is important for you to understand how to obtain the appropriate driving credential before driving in public streets. Knowing where to get a driver’s license and which steps must be taken can make a big difference in how easily and quickly you are able to get your first license.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the process for getting a California drivers license as a motorist who is 18 years of age or older is different from the process of applying for a new driver’s license as a motorist who is younger than 18 years of age. As a teenager, you are only eligible for a provisional license, and there are more steps involved with getting a license with full privileges. To learn more about these different driving credentials in California and how to get them, read the sections below.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in California as an Adult (18 or Older)
18 Drivers License Restrictions California 2018
If you are 18 years of age or older, you may apply to get your first driving credential as long as you meet the California drivers license requirements that are set in place for a standard license. In general, this application process is not very complicated, as long as you are familiar with the steps and know what you need to bring beforehand.
You are typically eligible to get a CA DMV driver’s license that is not provisional as long as you are at least 18 years of age. This license is a standard non-commercial credential that allows you to operate a motor vehicle without restrictions in the state.
Additional drivers license eligibility requirements that you must meet before obtaining this type of license include being a California resident, providing valid proof of identity and being able to pass the required written knowledge test. In order to obtain your first driver’s license in California, you must follow certain steps. These steps include the following:
- Make an appointment at your local California DMV office. It is not possible to get a driver’s license online in CA.
- Fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) Form and provide your Social Security Number (SSN) on that form.
- Provide original or certified copies of documents that establish your full name, date of birth and legal residency or status in the U.S.
- Have your fingerprints
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pay the applicable DMV license
- Pass a written knowledge test and a road skills exam.
- Receive your license.
F.A.Q.: How long does it take to get your license in the mail in California? Once you pass the driving skills exam, you will be issued a temporary driver’s license that lasts for 90 days. Street car racing game online. You will receive your permanent CA license in the mail within 60 days.
For more answers to frequently asked questions, including questions on CA DMV license renewal, check our CA FAQ page.
Changing Your Drivers License to California From Out of State (New Residents)
After moving to California, the DMV requires that you get a CA driving license within 10 days. To do so, you must be mindful of all of the driver’s license information detailed in previous sections.
California Driver License Restriction Codes
These steps include providing the documents needed for a California driver’s license and taking a knowledge test. On the other hand, because you are already a motorist who was licensed in a different state, you will likely not be required to take a road skills test as part of the process to transfer driver’s license credentials to California.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in California as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
If you are a motorist who is younger than 18 years of age, you may qualify for a provisional DMV drivers license. This type of driving credential will allow you to operate a motor vehicle under certain restrictions. For instance, these restrictions include not being allowed to operate a car between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., or transport passengers who are younger than 20 years of age. To avoid those limitations, you must be accompanied by a licensed motorist who is older than 25 years of age.
It is essential that you understand how to get a California drivers license as a teenager so that you can be well-prepared before beginning the process. To learn more information about this credential, read the sections below.
California Driver’s License Eligibility Requirements for Teens (Younger Than 18)
In order to apply for a driver’s license in California as a minor, you must meet certain eligibility requirements first. For example, you must:
- Be between 16-18 years of age.
- Have held a valid learner’s permit for at least six months.
- Provide proof of completion of driver education.
- Have completed 50 hours of driving practice (10 hours at night) and have a parent/guardian and instructor sign your learner’s permit, verifying the completion of these practice hours.
- Pass the DMV driving test.
You must hold a learner’s permit, also known as an instruction permit, for at least six months in order to get a CA driver’s license. In general, this permit can be obtained as long as you are at least 15-and-a-half years of age, but younger than 18 years of age.
Thus, adults who apply for a license do not need to obtain a learner’s permit first. To be eligible for a learner DMV license, you must provide acceptable documentation, pay the applicable fees, have your fingerprint and photograph taken and pass both a vision and a written knowledge test.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, you must complete a driver’s education program when applying for a new driver’s license or learner’s permit. On the other hand, if you are 18 years of age or older, you are not required to provide proof of completion of a driver’s ed course.
Steps for Getting a Driver’s License in California as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
Knowing what you need to get your license before you apply can be very beneficial for teenagers in California. That is because the process of getting your first license to drive can be confusing if you are not aware of the steps involved. To apply for a DMV license as a teen, you must:
- Make an appointment at your local California DMV office, then visit during your appointment time.
- Fill out the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) Form and provide your Social Security Number (SSN) on it.
- Provide parent/guardian signatures on the DL 44 form stating the completion of 50 driving hours.
- Provide original or certified documents that establish your birth date, full name, in-state residency and legal status in the U.S.
- Provide proof of driver education completion or enrollment.
- Scan your fingerprints.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pay the DMV license
- Schedule and pass a driving test.
- Receive your license.
California Drivers License Costs
There are certain drivers license costs that are worth noting before you fill out the CA driver’s license application. For instance, in order to apply for a California driver’s license, you must pay the non-refundable $35 fee. This fee payment remains valid for 12 months, giving you three attempts to pass the knowledge tests and one attempt to pass the road skills exam.
If you fail the driving test on your first try, you will need to pay $7 for each subsequent retest. After three failed attempts the application will no longer be valid, and you will need to reapply. Furthermore, there is no reduced fee for drivers license applications.
Note: To renew your driver license after its expiration date or to replace a lost drivers license in CA, you will have to pay separate fees based on your situation.
Last updated on Monday, March 4 2019.
Sources
- Driver License and Identification Card Information from CA.gov
- How to Prepare and Apply for a California Driver License from CA.gov
- Requirements for a California Driver License from CA.gov