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Beginner Drivers in California

Updated on Fri, 1/20/2012

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.

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 15 1/2 and have passed the knowledge test. For more information about learner's permits, see our Learner's Permit section.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of Beginner Drivers in California

Submitted by tasha19_84@yahoo.com on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 15:09.

can you get a license in california if ur under a mandatory suspension in another state. If ur not able to can you get driving privilages?

Submitted by santafoodz on Thu, 01/05/2012 - 21:14.

Do you have to go to a drivers education program to get your permit?

Submitted by Div24 on Sat, 12/31/2011 - 21:51.

After the year, when the permit expires, do you have to retake the drivers education to renew the permit?

Submitted by anonymousyou on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 07:36.

do you have to take 6 hours behind the wheel after getting your permit with someone cetified? or can you just show that you did it with your parents. Honestly, i wouldn't trust whoever i'm driving with, & secondly, why would i pay to teach someone when i have my parents? & third, its just uncomfortable.

Submitted by master gabby on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 05:08.

Rumor has it that if you get a ticket while you have your permit,youll have to wait til youre 21 to get the liscense?:p is this truee?

Submitted by rodel18 on Thu, 11/17/2011 - 05:24.

is this actually true?

Submitted by starfish2127 on Fri, 08/12/2011 - 04:19.

DOES ANYONE KNOW...

if i can take a Verbal Exam instead of a Written exam? I have trouble reading and understanding some of the questions the exam asked. I am wondering if there's such thing as taking a Verbal exam with someone there, rather than a Written exam.

Submitted by itsyobreh on Fri, 08/05/2011 - 09:01.

Do I need to bring a drivers training to certificate once I go to dmv? or Can I just enroll after I get my permit?

Submitted by romeo 1994 on Wed, 07/27/2011 - 21:04.

i am 16 going on 17 in three months, i did my written test in drivers ed class last year at school. what am i supposed to do so that i can get my permit asap?

Submitted by thisisawful on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 22:30.

PLEASE ANSWER:

My permit expires August 5th. I'm trying to get an appointment for the behind the wheel test to obtain my driver's license. When I try to make an appointment through the phone it says my permit will expire before an opening date... What can I do? Do I seriously need to pay to renew my permit?...even if it's only a couple days expired?? How much is it if so? This is really stupid.

Submitted by mlkenny7 on Tue, 07/19/2011 - 06:23.

My son is 16 1/2 and has his liecnse and his car. But my question is; what is the rule about driving after get your liecnse? Isn't it 6 months with anyone not under the age of 21 for 6 months???

Submitted by Zedric Jackson Jones on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 16:34.

how do i obtain my jr.permit ? im 17 1/2

reallly need help thanx

Submitted by TroyHudson on Thu, 06/30/2011 - 05:53.

Wtf so when i get my L's i have to drive with one who is 20 or older for 6 months then i can drive alone :-/ im so confused=help

Submitted by kinnie195 on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 02:46.

I am 12 and I heard we have to be 18 to be a driver

Submitted by username on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 02:41.

i am about to be 17 next month...what exwctly do i need to get on the road?..i get confused with all the lerners permits,drivers permit,driving skoo,whats all this?.....isnt there somewhere i can just take a test and start driving....

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 02:12.

so can i get my permit at 15 . ??

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/09/2011 - 23:36.

if pass written test at 18 - and only have a permit what are the restrictions?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 00:49.

Is it possible to sign up for my drivers license online or do i have to just call in?

Submitted by shirleysmathers... on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 16:24.

I need to schedule an appointment for my great granddaughter to take her driving test and written test for her driver's license.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 00:48.

Is it possible to sign up for my drivers test online?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 00:44.

can you sign up for your drivers test online or do i need to call and schedule it over the phone?

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 01:38.

CAN YOU SIGN UP FOR THE DRIVING TEST BEFORE YOU HAVE HAD YOUR PERMIT FOR 6 MONTHS IF YOUVE HAD IT FOR 5 MONTHS AND HAVE COMPLETED 2 OF THE 3 DRIVERS TRAINING?

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/11/2011 - 04:55.

i have an appoment at 8;15 tomarrow moring and what do i need to bring for my test like permet, idont know want i need to bring

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 20:47.

WTH! i passed ny permit test yesterday and they are giving me an apoointment to take my drving test a month from now. does that sound right to you???

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/25/2011 - 05:26.

its sound good to me

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/07/2011 - 21:09.

im 17 1/2, so does that mean that i dont need a driving permit & i will be able to go right ahead and take th behind the wheel drivers test?

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 20:44.

yes ! when you are 17 in a half you can just go and take your written test.

Submitted by munchkin on Thu, 06/09/2011 - 16:19.

so uhm listen, im 17 ill be 18 in two months i wanted to know if i have to have my permit befor i can get my L's?(:

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/06/2011 - 06:19.

Why won't it let me enroll for the online traffic school. I was born in January of 1996, which makes me 15, yet the traffic school application only allows people born in 1994. HELP!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 20:46.

lol ahahahah idk try again!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/05/2011 - 16:21.

How much is the fee for the written exam

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/06/2011 - 18:51.

31 bucks

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/05/2011 - 16:21.

How myuch is the fee for the written exam

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/04/2011 - 00:35.

how old r u supposed to be to drive a motorcycle or is it the same age

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/02/2011 - 20:56.

im 19 and got my permit ..

..do they have driving schools for older people?

Submitted by ginarocks91 on Tue, 03/29/2011 - 00:04.

I TAKE MY DRIVING TEST TOMORROW!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 20:46.

yeeeee! : )

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 03/27/2011 - 20:20.

so i have my pink slip but i lot the paper do i have to have that when i sign up for behind the wheele or take the permit test

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 03/26/2011 - 07:55.

I AM TRYING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE MY DRIVER'S PERMIT TEST, BUT I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO SO ....HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 03/27/2011 - 07:32.

UJHJUHUH

Submitted by ambuurrr on Fri, 03/25/2011 - 03:28.

i am tying to make an appointment to take the written test but i cant figure out how to do it..any help??

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 02:57.

How do I obtain a jrs. permit

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/17/2011 - 17:48.

Guys do they drug test to take your license??!

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/25/2011 - 05:28.

lol wat u on?

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 21:53.

NO!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 21:21.

I am over 18 and i had a permit but it expired. What am i supposed to do now to get a license? i was told that since i am over 18 i cant get the permit again so what do i do?

Submitted by lucy6256 on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 19:23.

too bad for u then

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 20:43.

when you are 18 years old you can just take your test. jus go get it renewed at DMV ! and they will give you a renewal on your permit test. but you have to show them your expired permit paper !

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 23:49.

you just take your license test

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 18:29.

So when I take the written test how long do I have to wait to take the driving test?