You need to visit a California DMV office and take the knowledge test there because the current online eLearning option is only for eligible license renewals.
“I recently moved to the US and need to get a California driver's license. I started my application online and received a confirmation code, but I don't see an option to take the knowledge test online. Am I required to visit the DMV office in person, or can I take the test online?”
Summary
Nothing is wrong with your application: the confirmation code means DMV received it. The missing test button is consistent with the current rules for a new/original applicant, so you can move ahead at the office without restarting online.
Your knowledge-test route is the same in person, but your document route depends on whether you can prove lawful presence.
Use this route if you can present an accepted original or certified identity document proving legal presence, plus California residency documents. Bring your confirmation number and finish the original application at a DMV office.
Use if you cannot prove legal presence but can prove identity and California residency. DMV’s AB 60 instructions say to schedule an appointment to take the knowledge test at a DMV office.
is a no-fail online course, but DMV limits it to eligible noncommercial Class C renewal applicants—not people applying for an original California license.
Both original-license routes require you to finish the application and take the knowledge test at a DMV office.
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Watch out for
Next steps
These steps turn your saved online application into an in-office knowledge test without starting over.
Before the office visit
Keep your confirmation number
Do not submit a duplicate application. The confirmation number lets a DMV field-office employee retrieve the eDL44 application you already submitted; it is not a link to an online knowledge test.
Requirements
Choose your document route
Prepare the correct identity and residency documents
Use the standard/REAL ID route if you can prove legal presence with an accepted identity document. If you cannot, use the AB 60 route; its official page is https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/assembly-bill-ab-60-driver-licenses/. Bring the original documents—an online upload does not replace them.
Requirements
Allow enough time
Visit a DMV office and take the knowledge test
At the office, DMV retrieves your application, collects the nonrefundable $46 fee, scans your thumbprint, gives the vision exam, takes your photo, and administers the knowledge test. Office tests are not available after 4:30 p.m.; the paid application is valid for 12 months and includes three attempts at each required knowledge test.
Requirements
After passing knowledge
Move to the driving-test stage
Complete the permit and supervised-practice requirements that apply to your age, then book the behind-the-wheel test; DMV does not give driving tests without an appointment. Bring proof of financial responsibility (insurance) for the test vehicle.
Requirements
Legal sources
This answer is based on the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ current application, online-learning, original-license, fee, and AB 60 instructions, with its 2023 announcement included to explain the outdated remote-test information.
California DMV DL/ID Online Application (eDL44)
The online application saves time, but the confirmation code only lets staff retrieve it and does not replace the office visit.
After submitting your application, you will need to visit a DMV office to complete it. You will receive a confirmation number in your email once you complete and submit the electronic application. A DMV field office employee can use your confirmation number to look up your application.
California DMV Online Learning eligibility
The current online-course option is limited to eligible Class C renewal applicants, so it is not the route for an original license.
eLearning FAQs — Who qualifies for eLearning?
Only eligible renewal noncommercial Class C driver’s license (federal noncompliant and REAL ID) applicants qualify for eLearning. If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.
California DMV Driver’s Licenses — Original Class C
Original applicants finish at an office, where DMV completes identity, vision, photo, fee, and knowledge-test steps.
Apply for Your First California Driver’s License
You can start your application for a DL online and finish the process at a DMV office. Pay the nonrefundable application fee (application and fee valid for 12 months). Have your thumbprint scanned. Pass a vision exam. Have your photo taken. Pass the knowledge test(s ). You are allowed three attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you will need to reapply.
California DMV Licensing Fees
The current original Class C application fee is $46.
Driver’s License (DL) Fees — Class C
License Class Class C |Application – Original – Renewal – Adding a motorcycle license (Class M1/M2) |Fee $46
California DMV News Release — At-Home Testing
This historical release explains why older DMV search results say newcomers could test remotely; the current eligibility page no longer offers that route to original applicants.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announces that Californians under 18 years old who need a driver's license, and individuals moving to California from out of state who need to take a driver's license knowledge test are now eligible to complete the requirement at home before visiting a DMV office.
California DMV AB 60 Driver’s Licenses
AB 60 is the alternative for applicants unable to prove legal presence, and it still requires an office knowledge test.
AB 60 driver’s licenses are for individuals who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States, but who meet California DMV requirements and are able to provide proof of identity and California residency. You will need to take and pass a knowledge test. Schedule an appointment to take your test at a DMV office.
These are the official California DMV rules shown on the cited pages as of August 22, 2026; rules and fees can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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