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California driver's license

Get your first license in California after moving to the US.

Getting a first California driver's license means passing an eye test and a behind-the-wheel drive test.

The application costs $46. You get three attempts at the knowledge test. California offers a driver's license to all residents.

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to California and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

What it costs

A first license

You pay $46 to apply for an original Class C license, and a REAL ID Class C costs the same $46; the fee is for the application and is not refunded.

You pay this when you apply.

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

California provides driver's licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status.

Foreign documents with no expiry date

Your license and your identity document may expire on the same date. You need to give the DMV a valid identity document to get your license.

If your license from another state has expired

An expired license from another state counts as no license. You must apply for an instruction permit to take the driving test for your California license.

If you have no license to transfer

You must apply for an instruction permit and pass a vision and knowledge test to take the driving test for your license.

  • You apply for an original license, and the DMV examines you at an office in the county where you live.

Documents you need

  • Documents that are still validThe passport or consular ID you show must be unexpired. For a REAL ID, your legal-presence documents must be current, and the card's expiry follows your status document.

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

Most of your driver's record is public, but your social security number, address, and any physical or mental conditions are kept confidential.

  • If you have a Social Security Number or are eligible for one, you must include it on your application.

Tests you take

Eye test

The DMV tests everyone to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely.

  • The DMV tests every applicant's vision, and taking it with corrective or contact lenses puts a corrective lenses restriction on your license. Not passing does not end your application: you will be asked to have your eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62) form.

  • A DMV representative tests your vision during the application process.

Drive test

When you apply for an original license, you are tested behind the wheel on your ability to drive a vehicle safely.

  • Yes

Tries you get on the written test

You get three attempts to pass; if you fail all three, you must reapply. If you are a minor, you must wait seven days to retake a failed test.

  • You get three attempts to pass; if you fail all three, you must reapply and pay the application fee again. Adults have no waiting period between attempts; minors must wait seven days to retake a failed test, not counting the day of the failure.

  • You are allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass the knowledge test; failing all three means you must restart the application.

Practice questions for the written test

You can find sample tests and more information at dmv.ca.gov/driver-ed.

Using an interpreter

An interpreter can help you during the pre-drive inspection of the vehicle, but cannot ride with you during the drive test.

If you do not pass the written test

You get three attempts to pass the written test before you reapply.

Practising with your permit

Who can sit with you while you practise

A California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 if you are a minor) must be with you.

  • The DMV may add extra restrictions to your instruction permit when it decides they are needed for you to drive safely.

  • A California-licensed driver of the right class, who is 18 or older and not on probation, must be seated where they can assist and guide you.

What to bring to the drive test

Who comes with you

You must bring a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 if you are a minor), unless you already have a license.

  • Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors) must come with you, unless you are already licensed to drive.

  • A valid foreign license does not remove this rule: you still need another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors) to come with you to and from the drive test.

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.

  • The vehicle must be safe to drive, with valid proof of insurance and registration; the examiner checks it, so the driver window must open, the windshield must give a full clear view, and the rearview mirrors must work. A rental car is allowed if your name is on the rental contract and the contract does not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.

  • Bring your instruction permit or license, a safe vehicle, and valid insurance and registration; a rental car needs a rental contract with your name on it.

Where to go

Who gives the tests

You take them with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Behind-the-wheel tests are by appointment only, scheduled at dmv.ca.gov.

Booking an appointment

Office appointments can be scheduled at dmv.ca.gov/make-an-appointment.

Office locations

You can find DMV offices and their hours at dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations.

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Every source, quoted28 sources

Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

Applying for a driver's license in California?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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