California teen provisional permit and license path

Step 1: complete driver education

Finish at least the required 30-hour/equivalent approved course before applying for the provisional permit.

Step 2: obtain the provisional instruction permit

Complete application, documents, vision and knowledge testing; parent/guardian approval is required.

Step 3: start professional driver training

The permit is not valid for ordinary supervised practice until the instructor signs it after at least the first behind-the-wheel lesson.

Step 4: six months + 6 professional hours + 50/10 practice

A qualifying California-licensed adult age 25+ certifies the supervised hours, including 10 at night.

Step 5: pass the driving test at 16+

For the first 12 months, do not drive 11 p.m.–5 a.m. or carry passengers under 20 without qualifying adult supervision unless a documented exception applies.

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.

• California road-test guide
• California documents checklist