Minor's Provisional Permit

• If you are under 18 and at least 15, you can apply for a provisional driver license. The first step to getting your license is to get your instruction permit. Because you are under 18, your permit and driver license are called, "Provisional." This means you have additional restrictions placed on your permit and driver license that adults (18 and over) do not have. Your provisional instruction permit will have the following restrictions.
  • You must obey the traffic laws
  • You must drive without a collision
  • You must drive with your parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license.
  • You must hold your permit for six months before you can take your driving test to get your driver license.
  
  
• How to apply for a permit if you are under 18:
  • Be at least 15, but under 18 years of age
    
  • Visit a DMV office (make an appointment online for faster service)
    
  • Complete and submit an original application form DL 44 (Only an original DL 44 form will be accepted. Copies obtained by xeroxing, faxing, or other methods will not be accepted.) Sample DL 44
  • Provide your social security number on the DL 44. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
    
  • Have both of your parents' or guardians' signatures on the DL 44 application form. NOTE: When you sign your application for an instruction permit/driver license, you agree to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood when required by a peace officer. If you refuse to sign this statement on your driver license application, DMV will not issue a permit or license.
    
  • Give a thumb print
    
  • Have your picture taken
    
  • Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If you are not a US-born citizen, you must provide proof that you are a legal US resident.
    • Provide your full legal name
    • Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes. (See below for details)
      NOTE: : If you are over 17, but under 18 years of age, you may get your permit without the driver education and driver training certificates however, you will not be able to take the driving test until you are 18 years of age.
    
    
  • Pay the $12 application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
    
  • Pass a vision exam
    
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. You must get at least 39 questions right out of 46. You will have three chances to take the test, but you must wait 7 days before taking the test again. If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new DL 44. NOTE: All written or audio exams must be taken before 4:30 p.m. so you are not rushed when taking the test. We want you to pass your test. Study the handbook and make use of the practice tests and driving knowledge tutorial.
    
  • Completed driver education (Form DL 387 or OL 237) and are taking driver training (DL 392 or OL 392) or
    
  • Completed driver education and driver training (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238).
    NOTE: If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a Secondary Schools DL 33 form completed by the out-of state school, or a letter on the out-of state school's stationery signed by a school official stating that the courses are equivalent to California's requirements. Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable proof. or
  • Enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program (DL 400).
  
  As soon as you pass your written test, you will be issued a permit. A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in the front seat in order to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.
  

Notes

• You must have your permit for a minimum of 6 months before you apply for a license.
  
• The provisional permit may not be used until you are enrolled in behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 17 1/2.

Provisional Permit Restrictions

Minors may use the provisional permit to practice with a parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license. The person must be close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time. A provisional permit does not let you drive alone not even to a DMV office to take a driving test.