California location guide
California permit, test and driver-training locations
Two systems matter: DMV issues/tests the credential, while licensed schools provide the education and six professional behind-the-wheel hours required for the under-18 path.
- DMV officecredential/testing
- Licensed schoolDE/DT
- Appointmentdrive test
DMV field offices
Use a qualifying office for original permit/license issuance, vision/knowledge tests and scheduled behind-the-wheel exams.
DMV-licensed driving schools
Minors use approved schools/high schools for driver education and professional driver training.
The instructor validates the provisional permit
After at least the first behind-the-wheel lesson, the professional instructor signs the permit so ordinary supervised practice can begin.
Verify the service before traveling
Testing/appointment availability differs by office, so use the live DMV locator and scheduler.
Search and filter before you travel
Enter a city or ZIP code in the official locator, then filter by location type and the exact service you need.
Not every DMV location does the same work
California lists field offices, self-service kiosks and business partners. Permit issuance, knowledge tests and driving tests require the appropriate DMV service location.
Choose the exact testing or licensing service
The locator can filter for written knowledge testing, automobile driving tests, REAL ID and other licensing services, reducing the risk of visiting the wrong location.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- California DMV — Instruction and Learner's Permits
- California DMV — Driver's Licenses / Teen Driver
- California DMV — Driver Training Schools
- California DMV — Prepare for Knowledge and Drive Tests
- California DMV — Sample Knowledge Tests
- California DMV — Licensing Fees
- California DMV — Driver Handbook Section 2
- California DMV — Teen Driver Roadmap
- California DMV — AB 60 Driver's Licenses
- California Vehicle Code 12804.9 — License examinations
- California DMV — Locations
Independent study resource. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV, DPS, FLHSMV or other government agency. Official state sources control if information changes.