California requirements
California instruction permit requirements
California requires a Class C instruction permit before a first-time driver takes the behind-the-wheel test. The core application steps are similar for adults and teens, with additional driver-education and parent/guardian requirements for younger applicants.
- 15½+minimum provisional permit age
- 80%knowledge-test passing score
- 18+adult permit path
Core California instruction-permit steps
California DMV's handbook says a first-time applicant must complete the DL/ID application, provide the required documents, pay the non-refundable application fee, pass the knowledge test and pass a vision test before the instruction permit is issued.
DMV says the knowledge test is multiple choice and the passing score is 80%. The questions are based on the California Driver's Handbook.
If you are under 18
For a provisional instruction permit, California DMV requires the applicant to be at least 15½, have the required driver-education completion or enrollment certificate, and have a parent or guardian approve the application. The DMV's under-18 route also connects the permit to behind-the-wheel training before the learner can drive independently.
If you are 18 or older
An adult first-time applicant still gets an instruction permit before the behind-the-wheel driving test, but the teen driver-education certificate and parental-signature requirements do not apply. The application, documents, fee, vision, photo and knowledge-test steps still do.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- California DMV — Learner's Permits
- California DMV Handbook — Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License
- California DMV — Prepare for Knowledge and Drive Tests
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.