Getting Your California Driver License in 5 Steps
Let’s face it: You want a driver education program that you can “cruise” through, not one that “drives” you crazy!
At TeenDrivingOnline.com, we’re serious about safety, but we think driving should be fun! We make sure that, as a new driver, you know the rules of the road and develop defensive driving habits—but we make sure you have a good time learning safe-driving techniques!
Driver Education Made Simple
Online Driver Ed
You get the same state-approved material taught in a driver ed classroom—on your phone, tablet or laptop, any time. The site is available 24/7.
Easy-to-read text, photos, charts, video clips and interactive activities explain the subject matter and make learning fun.
- TeenDrivingOnline.com is a DMV-licensed driver ed provider.
- Skip the classroom and enjoy the flexibility of studying online at your own pace.
- Learn the rules of the road and know the law.
- Prepare to pass your DMV exam and learn helpful safe-driving techniques.
- The fast, easy, convenient way to pass driver ed!
$24.95 covers everything—the whole program and your Certificate of Completion. Pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or debit, directly on the site. Prefer not to pay online? Call us and we’ll take it by phone.
Completing the Program
The course runs 30 hours—the state-required minimum—broken into short lessons. The system remembers your progress when you sign out, so you can work as quickly or slowly as you like.
A short quiz follows each chapter. At the end you take a 50-question multiple-choice exam. Don’t worry: you need 80% to pass, and you can retake it as many times as you need.
We mail your original Certificate of Completion the business day after you finish—you’ll need it to take the DMV written exam. Expedited shipping is available if you need it sooner.
Getting Licensed
Getting your license is exciting, but the rules are genuinely confusing. Here’s the whole process, in five steps:
- Complete Driver Education
- Get Your Permit
- Complete Driver Training (“Behind-the-Wheel”)
- Practice, Practice, Practice!
- Apply for Your License
1. Complete Driver Education back to timeline
Under 18? You must complete driver education before you can get a provisional permit in California. There’s no minimum age to start the course, but you can’t earn the permit until you’re 15½.
Start between 15 and 15½. That gives you time to learn the material properly while keeping it fresh for the written test.
Passing gets you an official Certificate of Completion—take it to the DMV. To sit the written exam you must present one of:
- a Certificate of Completion of Driver Education; or
- a Certificate of Completion of Driver Education and Driver Training; or
- a Certificate of Enrollment in an Integrated Driver Education and Driver Training Program
2. Get Your Permit back to timeline
You’ll need to visit a DMV office. Make an appointment first—it makes the whole visit easier.
You must be at least 15½ and under 18. Bring everything on this list:
- have proof of completion of driver education
- complete the California Driver’s License or ID Card Application (or get a paper application (form DL 44) from a DMV office)
- have a parent(s)/guardian(s) sign the application
- provide proof of identity and residency
- for a REAL ID
- for a Federal Noncompliant ID
- if you are unable to demonstrate proof of legal presence
- pay the licensing fee (This fee entitles you to three exams within a 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within a 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
- pass a vision exam
- take a photo
- pass the DMV’s written exam (by correctly answering at least 38 of the 46 questions; if you fail an exam, you must wait seven days before taking it again)
Click here for this list as a printable checklist.
Your instruction permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel training with an instructor or you reach age 17½.
3. Complete Driver Training (“Behind-the-Wheel”) back to timeline
State law requires that you complete at least 6 hours of driver training with a professional instructor. Legally, you must do so before starting parent-/guardian-supervised practice driving.
To locate a friendly and professional driving school near you, click here.
Driving is one of the most dangerous things you’re likely to do on a daily basis, and it pays to know how to do it well. While it’s possible to obtain a license with just 6 hours of driver training, we strongly encourage you to complete 12 – 18 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. You’ll be a better driver for it!
4. Practice, Practice, Practice! back to timeline
You must hold your permit at least six months before applying for your first license. Spend that time practising under parent/guardian supervision. California requires:
- at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving
- at least 10 of those hours at night
Your parent or guardian must certify the 50 hours—but aim for 2–3 times the minimum. Track it with our free Practice Driving Log and Parent-Teen Driving Contract, or visit the Parents’ Corner.
Driving is a serious responsibility, but it should also be fun. Stay calm, don’t get frustrated, and be courteous—a friendly wave smooths over most mistakes. With a little experience you’ll be fine.
5. Apply for Your License back to timeline
To apply for your first driver license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held your permit for at least six months.
Another trip to a DMV office—and this time you must make an appointment for the driving exam.
Bring:
- proof of your true full name
- your Social Security number
- an acceptable document that proves your birth date and legal presence
- proof that you completed driver education and behind-the-wheel training
- your permit, which must be signed by the your parent/guardian or instructor
- valid vehicle registration
- proof of financial responsibility
(The DMV provides handy checklists detailing what you need.)
Then you’ll just need to pass the driving exam and you’ll be a licensed driver!
Remember: You must make an appointment at the DMV office to take your driving test!
The California Provisional Driver License
California uses a graduated driver license system: more privileges as you gain experience. Before 18 you hold a provisional licence. Between 16 and 18 you must observe these restrictions:
- During the first 12 months that you have your license, or until you turn 18, you may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years of age (exceptions can be made for medical, school, employment, or family needs).
- During the first 12 months that you have your license, or until you turn 18, you may not transport passengers under the age of 20, unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years of age (exceptions can be made for family needs).
Breaking them can mean court-ordered community service or a fine, and a ticket if you’re stopped for another violation.
Keep your record clean. A citation or an at-fault crash brings a DMV warning, then further restrictions or suspension—and delays your full licence.
At 18 the DMV upgrades you automatically, provided you have no restrictions or suspensions. No office visit needed.
Happy motoring!!!
Register for our fun and affordable driver education course today!
Complete course $24.95 · includes one free practice test · no hidden fees
Sign Up for Teen Driving OnlineLicensing for Drivers Over 18
If you’re over the age of 18 and wish to be licensed to drive, you must:
- Apply for a license and pass the written test.
- Obtain a permit so you can legally practice driving. Schedule a DMV driving exam once you feel comfortable behind the wheel.
- Pass the DMV driving exam.