Getting behind the wheel of a car or other motor vehicle is a privilege, and requires a clear understanding of the rules of the road, along with the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. To drive legally in the State of California, you will need a valid driver's license, car insurance, and a properly registered and titled vehicle.
[edit] LEARNER'S PERMIT
For most beginner drivers, the first step toward getting on the road is to obtain an instruction or learner's permit. You can get a learner's permit at the age of 15 if you are enrolled in a driver's education program. If you are not enrolled in a driver's education program, you can obtain a learner's permit if you are 15½ and have passed the knowledge test. For more information about learner's permits, see our Learner's Permit section.
[edit] THE WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE TEST
Most new drivers in California are required to pass a written knowledge test, either when applying for an instruction permit or a driver's license. The test is administered at a local driver licensing office, and covers basic rules of the road and how to safely operate a motor vehicle. The test includes 25 questions, and to pass you will need to answer at least 20 questions correctly.
You can prepare for the test by studying the California State Drivers Guide, and by taking practice tests. You must pass the knowledge test before scheduling a driving test.
[edit] THE DRIVING TEST
After passing the knowledge test, you must pass a driving test in order to get your California driver's license. Before taking the driving test, you should practice driving with a certified instructor or qualified licensed adult. Many new drivers enroll in either a driver's education program or a licensed driving school to help them develop the appropriate skills and confidence.
To be eligible to take the driving test, you will need a vehicle in good working condition and proof of liability insurance for the vehicle. You must score at least 80 points out of 100 to pass the test.
[edit] GETTING YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE
Passing the knowledge and driving tests are the key requirements for obtaining a driver's license in California. New drivers must also complete an application, provide proof of identity and residence, and pay the appropriate fee. For complete information about how to obtain a driver's license in California, see our Applying for a License section.
[edit] INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION
It is illegal to drive an uninsured car in the state of California, and therefore new drivers must ensure that they have the proper amount and type of insurance required by the State. Note that young drivers can often be covered under their parent or guardian's insurance policy. Enrolling in a driver's education program or a licensed driving school can often reduce your insurance premium. For more information, or to obtain competitive quotes on car insurance, see our Auto Insurance section.
In addition, new drivers planning to get their own car must ensure it is properly registered and titled before taking it on the road.
[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- See also Driver's Education and Driving Schools.
- See also Learner's Permits and Applying for a License.
- See also Applying for a Motorcycle or Commercial Driver's License.
Comments
hey i have done everything and now i cant find out where to make the appointment to take the driving test with you guys i have completed all my classes and driving things with the school. need to know quickly so i can get back to my school for the update.
hey can anybody tell me were i can take the online practice tests for free?
Im 17, have a blue certificate. Where can i enroll to get the white certificate and yellow certificate?
Can i do my written test online??????
hey i have a question i am 17 1/2 can i go apply for my permit and can i get my license in a month or i have to drive for 6 month cuz i turn 18 in january 17
how can i take the practice test??
ya
Why can't I see the practice test page.( http://www.dmv.com/ca/california/dmv-practice-test )
It says I'm unauthorized
i know i want to take it too and it tells me the same thing
?????!!!
How much are the Written and Driving test?
do i have to pay if i took the test once and failed?
im wondering did they all ready change the age the we can drive for teens.
Ok well Ive done everything i need to get my license but i need to make an driving appointment and i don't know how??
please help!!!!
I am trying to set an appointment so I can take the written test so I can recieve my driver's permit. I am currently 17 and1/2.
Okay so I am 19 turning 20 in december. I know the book by the back of my hand. So id I pass the written test I secedule an appt. for the behind wheel right? But my main question is being that I am older then 18 do I still have to have so many hours behind the wheel before I can take the behind the wheel with an instructor? I do have expierience behind the wheel so does that count? someone lease let me know
If I'm 17 1/2 and passed the written test can I take the driving test to try to get a license???
im 18 today my question is if im 18 do i still have to take the written to receive a license?
hi, im 15 1/2 and i want to get my permit. what do i have to do?
HI
I need to practice for the Written Test in the DMV could someone provide me with a Quiz to help me studdy for the Written Test.
How old do you have to be to get your license?
16
i just turned 16 july7th i was woundering what i have to do to get my license?
I turned 17 on May 29 2009,What do I have to do to get my License? I herd that all I have to do is take the written test,is this true?
nice
Im 21yrs old i just apply and taken my written test and i faild it. I have try many times to pass the test and for some reason i havent pass it. I study so hard and put all my mentallity to pass it..i ve probably taken 3-4times wich includes 12 chances and all of does chances have been failed, i need help or is their some how i can pass my test i really like to have a drivers licences. please help.
so if im 17 1/2 i can go too the dmv and take my test if i past the written part ??????
So did they give u an answer to ur question cuz I'm trying to figure out the same thing..
i need 2 months till i turn 15 and i want to join the learning program but i dont know if i can, Can i????
I just turned 15 and I wanted to know how do i join the driver's education program
take a drivers ed. course either at your school or online
i have like the same question, if am 17 and a half, can i go get my provisional license instead of the permit? can u please tell me?
can i take the behind the wheel test if the service light is on in the car?
I AM 16 1/2 AN I HAVE MY LICENCE .
I WANT 2 KNOW IF I COULD DRIVE BY MY SELF?
yes u can
yes
You have your license and don't know if you can drive by yourself? wow that's sad.
i am 17 1/2 and i heard that you can obtain a drivers license after 30 days of having your permit if you are atleast 17 1/2. is this true? or do i still have to have my permit for 6 months?
What happens if i lost my permit?
Go down to DMV and purchase another one for 20 dollars
man can i go take da test tO get my permit ..im 17 & i dont turn 18 till march??
man can ii gO take da test tO get my permit ..im 17 & ii dOn turn 18 till march??
I am 17 1/2 ill be 18 in a month. Can i go and take my writing test now, without having to take driving school?
Im 17 1/2...
trying to obtain a drivers license...
I am 17 1/2 what will it take me to obtain a drivers license without taking driving school.
17 1/2 trying to obtain a drivers license
My son is 17 and will be 18 in jan. will i be able to take him to tha d.m.v and obtain his C.D.L with the needed money and documents?
You can be just 15 and get your permit, if you are enrolled in the classes? I thought you took clases then you could get it at 15 and 1/2.
I'm 16 and a half and wondering how much it will cost for the driving classes and to get my permit exactly how much will I have to pay....
It costs about 700 dollars for everything.