To apply for a provisional permit, you will need the following:

• Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age.
• Make an appointment before visiting a DMV office (walk-ins are only accepted at our Driver License Processing Centers).
• Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44). An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.
• Have your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the application form DL 44.
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your BP/LP document, see “True Full Name” and “How to Change Your Name” for more information.
• Present your acceptable residency documents if you have never had a California driver’s license or California identification card.
• Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes (See below for details.)
• Give a fingerprint.
• Pay the application fee.  (This fee entitles you to three tests of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver’s 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.
• Give your fingerprint again, provide your signature (that will appear on the driver’s license), and have your picture taken.
• Pass a knowledge test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 38 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

NOTE: To allow you sufficient time for testing, DMV will not be administering knowledge tests after 4:30 p.m.

• Be 16 years old
• Have held your permit for a minimum of six months
• Have completed driver education
• Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
• Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver’s license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

• Make a driving test Appointment(s) . (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.
• Provide proof of financial responsibility that meets or exceeds California Insurance Requirements.

After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 90 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check on the status. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If you fail your driving test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.

If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a To Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools form DL 33 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.