DMV Certified • Insured • Bonded
Driving School License #: 4027
239 E. Alameda Ave #101
Burbank, CA 91502
📞 (818) 848-2268
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Permit Requirements for Teen Drivers (California)
If you are under 18 and want to begin driving in California, the first required step is obtaining a Learner’s Permit from the DMV. This permit allows supervised driving practice while learning the rules of the road.
Basic Eligibility
To apply for a learner’s permit, you must:
-
Be at least 15½ years old, but under 18, as required by California law
-
Apply in person at a California DMV office, where your identity and documents will be verified
Required Documents & Forms
When applying for a learner’s permit, you must bring and present the following:
-
A completed DMV Driver License Application
(DL 44 or the current online equivalent submitted through the DMV system) -
A parent or legal guardian signature, confirming permission for the minor to begin the driving process
-
Proof of identity and legal presence, such as a birth certificate or other DMV-approved document
-
Your Social Security number, which is required for identification purposes
-
Proof of enrollment in driver education or driver training, if required by age
-
This proof is commonly issued on DMV Form DL 392
-
Your driving school can provide this form after enrollment
-
By signing the application, the applicant agrees to follow California driving laws, including rules related to safety and chemical testing.
At the DMV Appointment
During your DMV visit, you should expect to complete several steps in one appointment:
-
Pay the required application fee
(Valid for up to 12 months and allows multiple attempts at required tests if needed) -
Have your photo taken for DMV records
-
Complete a vision test to confirm minimum eyesight requirements
-
Provide a thumbprint for identification
-
Take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs
-
If the test is not passed, you must wait before retaking it
-
Driver Education & Training Rules
Driver education and training requirements depend on the applicant’s age:
-
Under 17½ years old
-
Must complete Driver’s Education
-
Must enroll in behind-the-wheel driver training
-
DMV documentation may include:
DL 392, DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238
-
-
17½ years old or older
-
May obtain a learner’s permit without completing driver education
-
A full driver license still cannot be issued until age 18
-
Permit Activation Rule (Important)
A learner’s permit may NOT be used for driving practice until one of the following conditions is met:
-
The student is enrolled in behind-the-wheel driver training with a DMV-licensed instructor
OR -
The student has reached 17½ years of age
Until one of these conditions applies, no driving practice is allowed, even if a licensed adult is present.
⚠️ Your first behind-the-wheel driving lesson may NOT begin until after your learner’s permit has been issued by the DMV.
Learner’s Permit Driving Rules
Once the permit is active, the following rules apply:
-
Driving is allowed only with supervision
-
The supervising driver must be:
-
A parent or legal guardian, or
-
A licensed California driver age 25 or older
-
-
The supervising adult must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time
🚫 Driving alone is never allowed, including driving to or from a DMV appointment.
Time Requirement
-
A learner’s permit must be held for at least 6 months
-
Only after this period may the driver apply for a provisional driver license, if all other requirements are met
Motorcycle Permit Restrictions (M1 / M2)
If the learner’s permit applies to a motorcycle:
-
Passengers are not allowed
-
Riding is limited to daylight hours only
-
Freeway riding is not permitted
Final Note
Understanding permit requirements in advance helps families avoid delays, scheduling problems, and unnecessary DMV visits. If you have questions about enrollment, forms, or timing, a licensed driving school can help guide you through each step correctly.