If you are Over 18
Individuals who are over 18 years old, but have never had a driver’s license (DL), do not need to take driver education or training, but are still required to get an instruction permit before they get an official California DL.
To apply for an instruction permit if you are over 18 years of age:
- Complete a California Driver’s License or Identification (DL/ID) Card Application.
- Provide your full legal name.
- Provide your social security number (SSN) on the application. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA) while you are in the office.
If you do not have a California ID already established with DMV:
- Bring your original/certified copy of your birth certificate or your U.S. Passport. If you are not a U.S. born citizen, you must provide proof that you are a legal U.S. resident with an acceptable legal document.
- Present an acceptable residency document.
If applying for a REAL ID DL, two residency documents are required.
- Provide a thumbprint.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pay a nonrefundable application fee.
- Provide a thumbprint again, provide your signature (that will appear on the driver’s license) and have your picture taken at the camera station.
- Take the knowledge test(s). You must get at least 30 questions right out of 36. You will have 3 chances to take the test. If you fail a test, you will not have to wait to retest (unlike minors). If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new application and paying the appropriate fees.
- As soon as you pass your knowledge test, you will be issued an instruction permit.
Your accompanying driver must be 18 years old or older and have a valid California DL. This person must be seated close enough to you that they are able to take control of the vehicle at any time. An instruction permit does not permit you to drive alone – not even to a DMV field office to take the driving test.
The California DL application and fee is valid for 12 months after you apply. If your application/instruction permit will expire before your drive test, you’ll need to reapply at a DMV office.