Steps to obtain a Provisional License
The first step in obtaining a provisional license is to obtain an instruction permit.
If you are at least 15 1/2 years old but under 18, you will need to apply for an
instruction permit before you can hit the road. Here’s how it works:
The provisional instruction permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 17 1/2.
(If you are over 17 ½ 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.)
If you are between 15 ½ and 17 ½ years of age, you will need to provide proof that you:
1. Complete driver education https://www.cal-driver-ed.com/
2. Complete Forward Driving School 6 hours behind-the-wheel training.
Provisional Licensing (continue)
To obtain a provisional license you must:
You will receive your Provisional License by mail in a few weeks.
License Restrictions On or After July 1, 1998
Provisional licensees issued a license on or after July 1, 1998, may not drive unaccompanied between the hours of 12:00 midnight to 5:00 A.M. for the first year from the date the license is issued. (Exceptions)
First six months restrictions
You must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor:
a.. When driving between 12 midnight and 5 A.M.
b.. When transporting passengers under 20 years of age at any time.
Second six months restrictions
You must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor:
a.. When driving between 12 midnight and 5 A.M.
However, you may transport passengers under 20 years of age between 5:00 A.M. and 12:00 midnight unaccompanied.
NOTE: Local laws may further restrict or prohibit driving during specified hours.
If you are at least 15 1/2 years old but under 18, you will need to apply for an
instruction permit before you can hit the road. Here’s how it works:
- Complete a Driver License or ID (DL/ID) Card application.
- Have your parent(s)/guardian(s) sign your application.
- Provide DMV with documents proving your identity and your residency in California. (See acceptable identity documents and acceptable residency documents.)
- Submit the appropriate form(s) from your driver education and/or training classes.
- Visit a DMV office in person. You can make an appointment to go through the application process in person.
- During your office visit, you will:
- Pay the non-refundable 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.)
- Give a fingerprint scan.
- Take a vision exam.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Take the knowledge test traffic laws (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 DL44
The provisional instruction permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 17 1/2.
(If you are over 17 ½ 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.)
If you are between 15 ½ and 17 ½ years of age, you will need to provide proof that you:
1. Complete driver education https://www.cal-driver-ed.com/
2. Complete Forward Driving School 6 hours behind-the-wheel training.
- 3 lessons - 2 hours each ( 3 to 6 weeks separation in between classes recommended for practice with family members. Total need 50 hours)
- After completing Forward Driving School 6 hours behind-the-wheel training student receive Certificate of 6 hours completion, Form DL400D
Provisional Licensing (continue)
To obtain a provisional license you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have held the instruction permit for at least 6 months
- Have your parent's or guardian's signature on your instruction permit verifying that you have completed 50 hours of driving practice, of which 10 hours must have been at night (refer to the Parent-Teen Training Guide https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/06/dl603_compressed.pdf
- Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.
- If you fail, you must wait two weeks before you can take the driving test again.
- Give your thumb print.
- Have your picture taken.
You will receive your Provisional License by mail in a few weeks.
License Restrictions On or After July 1, 1998
Provisional licensees issued a license on or after July 1, 1998, may not drive unaccompanied between the hours of 12:00 midnight to 5:00 A.M. for the first year from the date the license is issued. (Exceptions)
First six months restrictions
You must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor:
a.. When driving between 12 midnight and 5 A.M.
b.. When transporting passengers under 20 years of age at any time.
Second six months restrictions
You must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor:
a.. When driving between 12 midnight and 5 A.M.
However, you may transport passengers under 20 years of age between 5:00 A.M. and 12:00 midnight unaccompanied.
NOTE: Local laws may further restrict or prohibit driving during specified hours.