California teen permit
California instruction permit for teens
California's provisional instruction-permit route starts at age 15½. A minor applicant needs the required driver-education proof, a parent or guardian signature and the normal DMV application, document, vision and knowledge-test steps.
- 15½minimum provisional-permit age
- 80%knowledge-test passing score
- 6 monthspermit period before drive test
Before the provisional permit is issued
DMV requires a minor to be at least 15½ but under 18, complete the DL/ID application, have the parent or guardian approve it and provide the required driver-education completion or enrollment evidence.
At the DMV stage, the applicant also provides the required identity and residency documents, pays the application fee, completes the vision and photo steps and passes the knowledge test.
The permit is the start of supervised training
California's teen route connects the permit to behind-the-wheel training and supervised practice. DMV's current learner-permit page tells teens moving toward a drive test to complete the six-month waiting period, 50 hours of practice and the required driver training.
Prepare for the drive test after the milestones
Do not schedule the behind-the-wheel exam until the provisional-permit waiting period and training requirements are complete. Use the DMV's own roadmap and your signed practice records to keep the timeline straight.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- California DMV — Learner's Permits
- California DMV Handbook — Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License
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.