Learner Permits for Teens (Under 18)
ALL students - regardless of age - must either have a valid CA learner's permit or a valid driver's license from any state or country. Permits/Licenses must be in the possession of the student/driver whenever driving and during all lessons.
HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR CALIFORNIA LEARNER’S PERMIT
IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE:
STEP 1. Enroll in our informative and DMV Approved Online Driver Ed Course Since DMV requires that you complete Online Drivers Ed to get your permit. Students may start the driver education course at any age, but must be at least 15½ before taking the written permit test at the DMV.
SAVING OPTION. Since the DMV also requires the you complete at least 6 hours of Behind the Wheel Lessons to get your license, we’ve created Online Drivers Ed Packages so you can purchase all you need at once.
Our Behind the Wheel Lesson Packages already offer substantial savings over buying lessons a la carte. Save an additional $20 OFF Online Drivers Ed when combined with a 6, 10 or 20 hour one behind the wheel packages. Select the location that closest to you to save a lot of money today!
After completing the Final Exam at the end of the course, a certificate of completion will be mailed to you. The completion certificate must be present with you when you take the DMV written learner's permit test, so it is best to wait until you receive the certificate before scheduling your written test appointment at the DMV.
STEP 2. Obtain Your Permit From the DMV
First, fill out a DMV FORM DL44 (DMV Permit/License Application) and have your parents sign it. The forms are also available by walking into any DMV office. Ask a security guard for the form. They can save you the time of waiting in line.
Second, go to the DMV with the following;
• Driver's Education Completion Certificate
• Original birth certificate (this has purple ink or the state seal embossed on it – NO COPIES!)
• Social Security number (though if you have your card, it is our experience that it is best to have it with you)
• Take and pass the written permit test
** Note: As of July 1, 2016, 2 forms of proof of residency are required. Please see DMV website for the complete list of acceptable forms of ID. The DMV will be taking your picture on this day, so be prepared for that.
You must have a DL-44 signed by both parents (or guardians) who have legal (though not necessarily physical) custody of you. You should NOT sign the application until you are at the DMV and instructed to do so. (The DMV employee has to watch you sign the form). Be sure to sign your legal name. (No nicknames – and it is a good idea to have established your consistent and legible signature by this time). Check your permit for errors while still at the DMV. If your name, birth-date or address is not correct, let the DMV employee know immediately. Be sure to bring your passport or original birth certificate (the official birth certificate is issued by the registrar of the county/city in which you were born, not the hospital!) Ask for the 'long' copy.
If the DMV employee has any problem with your paperwork, before you leave the DMV, call us at (805) 685-2436.
The permit test is tough, but if you can pass the online driver-ed course final exam, it will be easy for you. Do Not take the test lightly! There are 46 questions on the DMV test, and you must wait a week to try again if you miss more than eight. Read every question completely. You have one minute for each question. Put a "best guess" before the time is up or it is marked wrong.
If you do not pass the first time, feel free to brush-up with our Online Driver Ed Course and PRACTICE TESTS, at no charge to you. Make sure you choose the practice tests under the heading “Regular driver (Class C license)”.