Californians aged 15 and a half or older must obtain and hold a learner’s permit for at least six months before applying for a driver’s license. Without this document, you won’t be able to complete the mandatory 50+ hours of driving practice required by the DMV.
Read on to find out how to get your California learner’s permit (also called a provisional instruction permit), along with how you can use it.
Learner’s Permit 101
A learner’s permit is a document that allows you to practice driving under the supervision of an experienced driver. You can apply for it once you turn 15 and a half and pass a knowledge test.
The California DMV requires drivers under 18 to complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training at a driving school and another 50 hours with a licensed driver, such as a parent or legal guardian. To do that, you must first obtain a learner’s permit.
If you’re over 18 and have never had a driver’s license, you still need a learner’s permit. Without it, you can’t practice driving and take the behind-the-wheel test.
Learner’s Permit vs. Provisional License: What’s the Difference?
An instruction permit, or learner’s permit, isn’t the same as a provisional license. A provisional license allows young people aged 16 to 18 to drive without supervision except when carrying passengers under the age of 20.
Essentially, provisional licenses serve as a transitional stage between a learner’s permit and a full driver’s license, granting teenagers limited driving privileges while allowing them to gain experience behind the wheel.
| Learner’s Permit vs. Provisional License | ||
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| Category | Learner’s Permit | Provisional License |
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| Driving Rules |
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For example, a 16-year-old teen may complete driver’s education (DE), pass the knowledge test, and apply for a learner’s permit. After holding the permit for at least six months and completing the mandatory practice sessions, they can prepare for the behind-the-wheel test.
If they pass, they’ll receive a provisional license, which remains valid until they turn 18. At that point, the provisional license is automatically upgraded to a regular driver’s license.
How to Get a Learner’s Permit in California
Obtaining a learner’s permit is more or less difficult, depending on whether you’re under or over 18. To keep things simple, we’ll break this process into three steps:
| Step | Applicants aged 15½ to 18 | Applicants over 18 years old |
|---|---|---|
| 1. PREPARE |
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| 2. PROVIDE | Submit the following to the DMV: | |
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| 3. PASS |
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| *If you’re 17 and a half years old but under 18, you may apply for a learner’s permit without completing driver’s education. However, you must wait until you turn 18 to take the behind-the-wheel test and apply for a driver’s license. | ||
In California, you can start driver’s education at age 15 and a half. However, 10th graders can take the course at age 14 or 15 (depending on the school’s policies) and apply for a learner’s permit after turning 15 ½.
How to Prepare for the Learner’s Permit Knowledge Test
The knowledge test is the final step to getting your learner’s permit. Follow the steps below to boost your chances of passing on the first try:
- Study the California Driver Handbook: The test questions are based on the California Driver Handbook, so make sure you study it thoroughly. Highlight important information, such as speed limits, and take notes as needed.
- Take multiple practice tests: Practice, practice, and then practice some more to consolidate your knowledge. Start with the sample tests featured on the DMV website, then download our study guide, which includes over 200 questions and answers. The California Driver’s Permit Practice Guide can be accessed on any device and comes with a free road signs cheat sheet.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards as you study the California Driver Handbook and other resources. Write questions on one side and their answers on the other, along with visual aids like sketches or printed road signs. Next, shuffle your flashcards, set a timer, and try to answer the questions without looking. Do this exercise daily to reinforce the information learned.
- Revisit challenging questions: Write down the questions you’re struggling with and go over them until you understand why the correct answer is right. Revisit them before the exam to refresh your memory.
Our advice is to set aside time for study every day, no matter how busy life gets. Lunch breaks, evenings, or late nights — choose whatever fits your routine.
How to Pass the Learner’s Permit Knowledge Test
The Llearner’s permit knowledge test includes 46 multiple-choice questions. You need a score of at least 80% to pass. You can take your test for your learner’s permit online with a DMV approved California Driver’s Ed provider.
You’re allowed three attempts to pass the exam within 12 months. After each failed attempt, you must wait one week to try again. If you fail a third time, you must reapply for a learner’s permit and pay the associated fee ($45).
The knowledge test isn’t hard, but it requires your full attention. Study the California Driver’s Handbook, take practice tests, and revisit the topics that give you trouble.
What You Can and Can’t Do with a Learner’s Permit in California
In California, a learner’s permit allows you to complete driver’s training (DT), or behind-the-wheel training. You may use it to practice driving with:
- A certified driving instructor
- A parent or legal guardian with a valid driver’s license
- A California driver age 25 or older
He or she must sit in the front passenger seat so they can take control of the vehicle if something goes wrong.
If the above conditions are met, you can use your learner’s permit to:
- Drive around the neighborhood
- Drive at night (the DMV requires at least 10 hours of night driving)
- Drive on any street or highway
- Test drive a car (depending on the dealership)
As far as restrictions go, an instruction permit doesn’t grant you the right to drive alone, no matter the circumstances. Also, Californians under 18 may not use a cell phone or any wireless communication device (hands-free or not) while behind the wheel, or they risk getting a cell phone ticket.
Get Your Learner’s Permit with Traffic Safety Institute
For California teenagers, completing driver’s education is the first and often the most important step to obtaining a learner’s permit. However, not all driver’s ed courses are created equal.
Our California Driver’s Ed program includes everything you need to gain a good grasp of traffic laws and pass the knowledge test. The best part is, you can complete it online at your own pace from any device.
At Traffic Safety Institute, we’re committed to helping you become a safe, confident driver. That’s why we go the extra mile to deliver seamless learning experiences through clear and engaging lessons, practice quizzes, and perks like:
✅ Unlimited course retakes
✅ Unlimited attempts to pass
✅ Free audio read-along
✅ Save-and-resume feature
✅ Live chat support around the clock
✅ Instant electronic certificate of completion
✅ Free shipping of the physical certificate
✅ Transparent pricing
Our online course costs only $29.99, and you don’t have to pay anything extra. Other driving schools charge additional fees for the services we offer for free, such as electronic certificate copies and exam retakes.
The our California Driver’s Ed reviews from students highlight their appreciation for the course’s content, ease of use, and transparent pricing. Many of them also find the audio-enabled lessons helpful and enjoy being able to study anytime, anywhere.
So, are you ready to start your journey to becoming a licensed driver? Let us help you out. Register for our driver’s education course today.
