California driver's license
Get your first license in California after moving to the US.
The short answer
To get a first California driver's license you take a knowledge test and a vision exam, and a driving test if one is needed.1 On the day of the driving test, bring another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old, unless you already hold a license.2 Only the examiner may ride with you during the test itself.3 Your license expires on the same date as the document that shows your legal stay, and a documented extension of that status gets you a new card.4
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to California and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- 5Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
With temporary legal status you receive a standard or REAL ID card, and it expires on the same date as your U.S. legal presence document. A documented extension of your status gets you a new card.4
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validA consular identification document or a passport from your country of citizenship must be valid and unexpired.5
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
Social Security numbers, addresses, and physical or mental conditions on a driver's record are kept confidential and not made available to the public.6
Tests you take
Eye test
The visual acuity screening standard is 20/40 with both eyes tested together, 20/40 in one eye, and at least 20/70 in the other eye.7
A DMV representative tests your vision at the office; bring your corrective lenses if you use them. If you do not pass, your eye doctor completes a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) form.8
Drive test
When you apply for an original license, an examination of your ability to drive a vehicle safely is required; student licenses are the exception.9
You will be required to take a knowledge test, a vision exam, a photograph, and, if necessary, a driving test.1
Practice questions for the written test
The California Driver's Handbook is available in nine languages, and it serves both first-time drivers and experienced drivers updating their knowledge of the traffic rules.10
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
You must be accompanied by, and under the immediate supervision of, a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old, holds a valid license of the appropriate class, and is not on probation.11
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
If you hold a valid driver's license from another country, an accompanying driver is required to and from the drive test.12
The car and its insurance
You cannot use advanced driver assistance features such as automated parallel parking, lane departure, or adaptive cruise control. Backup cameras and blind spot monitors are allowed, but you must still check your mirrors and blind spots yourself.13
The applicant must bring a vehicle that is safe to drive for the test, along with valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If using a rental vehicle, the applicant's name must be listed on the contract and the contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.14
Where to go
Other states
U
Sources
Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
- 1
“You will be required to take a knowledge test, vision exam, photograph, and, if necessary, a driving test.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/fast-facts-5-requirements-for-a-california-drivers-licenseChecked July 23, 2026
- 2
“Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors), unless you are already licensed to drive.”
dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdfChecked July 28, 2026
- 3
“Only the examiner is allowed to accompany you during the drive test.”
dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdfChecked August 1, 2026
- 4
“For Californians with temporary legal status, their DL/ID card will expire depending on their immigration status, will expire on the same date as their U.S. legal presence document, and they can receive a new card with a documented extension of their legal status.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/driver-licenses-dlChecked August 27, 2026
- 5
“A valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by a consulate from the applicant’s country of citizenship, or a valid, unexpired passport from the applicant’s country of citizenship.”
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/…/codes_displayText.xhtmlChecked August 1, 2026
- 6
“Most information in your driver’s record is available to the public, except physical or mental conditions, address, and social security number.”
dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdfChecked July 28, 2026
- 7
“20/40 with both eyes tested together, and DMV’s Visual Acuity Screening Standard is • 20/40 in one eye, and Print Clear Form • 20/70, at least, in the other eye.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/report-of-vision-examination-dl-62-pdfChecked August 25, 2026
- 8
“The DMV representative will test your vision (ensure you bring your corrective lenses, if needed), and direct you to the camera.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/fast-facts-5-requirements-for-a-california-drivers-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
- 9
“Upon application for an original license, except student licenses, the department shall require an examination of the applicant and shall make provision therefor before an officer or employee or authorized representative of the department in the county wherein the applicant resides.”
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/…/codes_displayText.xhtmlChecked July 28, 2026
- 10
“The California Driver's Handbook is available in nine languages and offers valuable information for Californians who are getting their driver's license for the first time or seasoned drivers who wish to update their knowledge of traffic rules.”
dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbookChecked August 23, 2026
- 11
“when accompanied by, and under the immediate supervision of, a California-licensed driver with a valid license of the appropriate class who is 18 years of age or over and whose driving privilege is not subject to probation.”
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/…/codes_displaySection.xhtmlChecked July 27, 2026
- 12
“If you have a valid DL from another country, an accompanying driver is required to and from the drive test.”
dmv.ca.gov/…/driver-licenses-dlChecked July 28, 2026
- 13
“Therefore, advanced driver assistance systems technologies, such as automated parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control, are not permitted during the drive test. Vehicle safety technology, such as backup cameras and blind spot monitors, may be used on the drive test, but are not a replacement for an actual visual check of your mirrors and blind spots.”
dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdfChecked July 28, 2026
- 14
“On the day of your behind-the-wheel test, you must bring: 1. Your instruction permit or driver’s license (if you have one). 2. Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors), unless you are already licensed to drive. 3. A vehicle that is safe to drive for your test. 4. Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration. 5. If you plan to use a rental vehicle for your drive test, your name must be listed on the rental contract. The contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.”
dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdfChecked July 28, 2026
- 15
“Appointments can be made at dmv.ca.gov”
dmv.ca.gov/…/fast-facts-5-requirements-for-a-california-drivers-licenseChecked August 4, 2026
- 16
“https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/”
dmv.ca.gov/…/driver-licenses-dlChecked July 23, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in California?
Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.