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How to Apply for a New Driver's License in California

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Submitted by deniz on Mon, 11/09/2009 - 17:33

You can apply for a new driver's license at any DMV office in California. Obtain a California Driver's Handbook to get familiarized with the driving rules and regulations.

[edit] NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a California driver's license:

  1. Applicants must be 15 1/2 years or older.
  2. Any individual under 18 should provide parental consent by providing their signature on form DL 44. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
  3. Everyone must pass the vision, traffic laws and sign tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test. There is a $6 fee for every additional driving test you take. You have three chances to pass.
  4. Applicants must provide a social security number.
  5. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of true full name and a thumbprint[http://www.doj.mt.gov/driving/proofidentity.asp ].
  6. Applicants must provide proof of California birth date and legal presence.

[edit] NEW RESIDENTS

California residents holding a driver's license from another state may also need to pass the three tests. The driving test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner. For individuals holding non-U.S. licenses, it is mandatory to pass the driving test. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, legal presence and birth date.

Non-US citizens residing in California may drive without getting a California driver license as long as their home country license is valid. If, however, you become a California resident, you will be required to get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency can be proven by proof of residence, tuition payment, voting in an election or any other privilege not extended to nonresidents.

[edit] FEES

The cost for a non-commercial (Class C) California driver's license is $28.

[edit] VALIDITY

A California driver's license is valid for four years.

[edit] LEARNER'S LICENSE

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in California with a learner's license. See more information on provisional licenses here.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Comments

Submitted by lovetheuniform1 on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 19:12.

Or can my Uncle bring me in, he is my guardian, i live with him

Submitted by lovetheuniform1 on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 19:04.

Can my stepdad bring me to get my license?? my mom and dad are going to be out of town for my appointment

THANKS

Submitted by dlaurman on Sun, 11/01/2009 - 18:47.

i got my permit the day i turned 15 1/2. so i was planning on getting my license the day after i turn 16, which is december 16th.

when i try to make my appointment online it says im "inelgible" or whatever,... WHY!

and it wont let me make it over the phone.

how am i gonna make my appointment :(

Submitted by NicoleRacky on Sun, 11/15/2009 - 14:56.

It did that to me too. You have to wait the full six months before you can make an appointment.

Submitted by Armindo Freitas on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 23:19.

none

Submitted by jday@sycuanreso... on Mon, 10/19/2009 - 14:22.

How do I make an appointment on line

Submitted by auritaurbina on Wed, 10/07/2009 - 21:21.

=)

Submitted by kellie on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 20:12.

TO REGISTER FOR DRIVERS TEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=driveTest (https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=driveTest)

Submitted by lukisho on Tue, 10/06/2009 - 17:37.

I am Luke... Hello, Hey, Hi, How you doin' my question is, How do i make an appointment on line?

Submitted by FRED on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 23:06.

how do you make a driver test appointment online?

Submitted by Paris_Chance on Mon, 10/05/2009 - 21:59.

so i made my appointment for the drivers test last months and I called today to confirm it cuz it's supposed to be on october 7th and they told me I have no appointment...I don't understand what happened.

Submitted by matthew smith on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 16:14.

i really need to get an APPOINTMENT to take my drivers test

Submitted by ses95608 on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 13:41.

Need to obtain an appointment for my husband for driving test

Submitted by jonathandosen on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 11:18.

how to get an appointment for the driving test ?

Submitted by jimbo1 on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 18:43.

thanks

Submitted by a_kids_life on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 13:13.

is there anyway to take the written test by audio or visual handicaps? or no and if so how?

Submitted by KIMHANCOCK on Fri, 09/11/2009 - 12:47.

WANT TO START A SHUTTLE SERVICE OF 16 PASSENGERS OR LESS.

WHAT KIND OF DRIVERS LICENSE IS REQUIRED?

Submitted by queishDRIVESperfect on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 22:32.

i drive perfect. inglewood dmv is the best!. ..

Submitted by SHAUNTE on Fri, 08/28/2009 - 20:33.

i need my behind the wheels test date

Submitted by lov3lylady1 on Thu, 08/27/2009 - 11:51.

I need to take dehind the wheel drivers test.

Submitted by lisha77 on Wed, 08/26/2009 - 17:15.

do you need to take a behind the wheel test when your 18

Submitted by Mr Random on Tue, 08/25/2009 - 17:07.

Do i need to take a behind the wheel driving course before i can test and get my permit?

Submitted by mikey91 on Tue, 08/25/2009 - 13:41.

i am seventeen and a half and a need to get my license. do i need to bering my parent with me when i got to apply for license

Submitted by fernando6692 on Thu, 08/20/2009 - 19:45.

I FINISHED MY 6 HOURS OF BEHIND THE WHEEL AND NOW I NEED TO MAKEE AN APPOINMENT FOR MY DRIVING TEST, HOW DO I MAKE ON OR WHEN CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ?

Submitted by efrain on Mon, 08/17/2009 - 10:24.

im 17 1/2 and can i tjust go to the dmv to take my driving test?

Submitted by queishDRIVESperfect on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 22:34.

no you cant, u must get your permit first. then hold it til you are 18 then, you are able to take your behind the wheel test!

Submitted by sisi garcia on Thu, 08/13/2009 - 21:26.

i need to do my driving test

but i dont know

how to make an appointmed

can you list me!!!!

i need a day to be tuesday or wednesday

Submitted by tylerchyreee on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 00:05.

i am turning 15 1/2 in September and i wanted to know if i had to have driver's training to get my permit . i have already tooken driver's education and i passed, is that enough to get my permit ? my dad took me driving too .

Submitted by PETER on Mon, 08/10/2009 - 13:53.

hi im 17 1/2 and i was just wondering can i take my license test

Submitted by agbailon12 on Wed, 07/29/2009 - 11:04.

i just turned 18 this Monday and i wanted to know, if i still need to get a permit before i could get my drivers license?...Do i just go to the DMV office and ask to take the written test?...

Submitted by christinab on Sun, 08/02/2009 - 23:25.

yea you can

Submitted by goalieman0 on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 15:28.

hey um some people are telling me when ur 18 you dont have to wate to take the permet test u can get just take the test for ur liscense is this true?

Submitted by CCCHAPY on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:25.

My license expired BEFORE I could renew it. Now what?

Submitted by sammyboy916 on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 21:47.

I am 17 1/2 can i get a license w/o a learners permit

Submitted by adrian842 on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 20:27.

i am testing for my california license tomorrow and i am testing in a honda civic which the check engine light is on, will they allow me to test?

Submitted by elcap123 on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 14:56.

I am over 17 and 1/2. and my question is can i go for my liscense now or do i have to have a permit first.

Submitted by megair1 on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 14:31.

Hi I am 18. I heard now you need a learns permit. I did have mine but it expired. So what do I do about getting my license... Please help me. Thanks

Submitted by culbertson on Sun, 07/19/2009 - 00:37.

if your are 17 1/2 can you get your licence or permit if you have parental concent but not the in car driving courses.

Submitted by melo5 on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 20:35.

i love mikki

Submitted by HP on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 18:30.

I Am trying to set an appointment for the driver test.

Submitted by junglyjatt on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 16:35.

im 17 and 1/2 and i had a question can i apply for a driver license now or do i have to wait in tell im 18 becz i didn't take a permit class or anything??

Submitted by elcap123 on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 14:58.

i have basically the same question. if u get the answer can u let my know???

Submitted by ZU2009 on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 12:34.

I NEED AN APOINTMENT!!!!!!!!!!

TO GET MY DRIVERS LICENSE

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE &

WERE CAN I MAKE THE APP???

Submitted by junglyjatt on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 16:36.

https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=driveTest (https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=driveTest)

Submitted by STHATSANAPHONH on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 10:37.

i need to know if i have to take a test for my drivers license ?

Submitted by tebrown14 on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 16:23.

yeah you have to take the behind the wheel driver's test

Submitted by McCann12 on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 15:58.

How Do I Apply For A Behind The Wheel Drivers Test Online..

Please Help.

Really Confused.

I Have Tried Everyything

Submitted by tebrown14 on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 16:27.

copy this URL and go from there...

https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=driveTest (https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/foa/clear.do?goTo=driveTest)

Submitted by leslie_1021 on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 11:13.

Did you find out how to make the appointment online?

I have the same question?

HELP?

Submitted by raulhernandez on Wed, 07/08/2009 - 21:27.

I PASSED THE WRITTING TEST AND FAILED BEHIND THE WEEL, THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT IN A MONTH BUT I NEED IT SOONER THEN THAT, I HEARD IN DA COMPUTER ITS A FASTEST WAY TO GET AN APPOINTMENT??!!!!!