California Driver’s License Requirements (2026)

California Driver's License Age Requirements

One of the first California driver’s license requirements to be aware of is how old you must be to operate the vehicle. To obtain a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 ½ years old. Once you have this permit for at least six months, you can apply for a driver’s license. Adults don’t have age restrictions for obtaining a license.

Required Documents for California Driver's License

California driver’s license requirements also include a variety of paperwork. For example, you must provide proof of identity. This can be done with a number of documents, including:

• U.S. birth certificate
• Certificate of U.S. citizenship
• U.S. passport
• Permanent resident card
• Naturalization certificate
• Passport from another country with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form

You cannot present photocopies of these documents; you’ll need the originals. Additionally, you will need to provide your Social Security number (SSN). If you’re getting the new REAL California ID, you’ll need to bring proof of your Social Security number, such as an original card.

California driver’s license requirements also include having two documents that prove you’re a resident of the state. The documents must have your first and last name and your address. These documents can be printed out. Lease agreements, utility bills and insurance documents are all admissible. You may also use bank statements.

California Learner's Permit Process

To obtain a learner’s permit, you must have completed a Driver Education course. This course helps you understand California traffic laws so that you can avoid causing car accidents.

You must complete the California Driver’s License or ID Card Application and have a parent or guardian sign it if you’re a minor. Bring that document to the DMV for your appointment and pay the application fee. Like other drivers, you will be given a vision exam and a knowledge test.

Driver's Education and Training Requirements

California requires that all drivers complete a Driver’s Education course. This typically means 30 hours of online or classroom time, which allows you to obtain a certificate of completion.

If you’re under 18, the training requirements state that you must have completed six hours of professional driver training and 50 hours with an adult 25 years old or older who has a valid California license. At least 10 of those 50 hours need to take place at night.

California DMV Written Knowledge Test

Another one of the key California driver’s license requirements is passing a written knowledge test., which assesses your understanding of the state’s laws to ensure you know what’s expected of you when you’re behind the wheel. The test will cover road signs, lane usage, right-of-way and other topics you can find in the California Driver’s Handbook.

It’s a multiple-choice test that varies in length depending on the type of license you’re obtaining. For example, if you’re getting a provisional license because you’re under 18, the test will be made up of 46 questions. To pass, you must get at least 38 of those questions right.

California Behind-the-Wheel Driving Test

To help prevent accidents that cause injuries and property damage, you must know how to safely operate a vehicle on the road. This is what the driving test assesses. It will measure how you perform vehicle checks, smooth maneuvers, blind spot checks and stops.

The examiner will give you numerous instructions to follow throughout the test. You’ll need to avoid hitting objects, speeding, failing to check blind spots and running stop signs or red lights. Any of these mistakes can earn you an automatic “fail.”

Application Fees and Payment Options

To apply for your first driver’s license, you currently need to pay a fee of $45. This is for a Class C license. You can pay the fee via a check, cash, money order, debit or credit card or a digital wallet.

Provisional License Restrictions for Teens

For the first 12 months, teens holding provisional licenses have two main restrictions. First, they cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. They must also not have passengers who are under the age of 20 unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25 years old or older is with them.

Additionally, they cannot use their phones while driving, even in hands-free mode.

Protecting Your License With Help From Experienced Attorneys

After going through the process of obtaining your license in California, it’s essential to protect it. If you have been convicted of a traffic violation and are facing problems keeping your license, it may be time to speak with a lawyer to explore your options.

At ConsumerShield, our team can help connect you with leading representation in your area. Contact our team to learn more about the services today.