California Teen Driver Education and Licensing: Four Steps to Your Provisional License

California teen licensing follows four steps: complete an approved 30-hour driver education course, pass the DMV knowledge test and obtain a learner's permit, finish a DMV-approved behind-the-wheel training program (typically six hours) and log 50 hours of supervised driving including 10 at night during a six-month permit period, then pass the driving test to receive a provisional license. Confirm current fees, forms, and test details with the California DMV before you apply.

California requires a sequence of education and supervised practice before a teen can receive a provisional driver license. Below are the four core steps you'll follow, with what to expect at each stage.

Step 1 - Complete an approved Driver Education course

Teens must complete a DMV-approved driver education course before applying for a permit. For classroom courses that means 30 hours of instruction; approved online courses must be equivalent in content and seat-time. Public and private high schools and state-licensed driving schools offer these courses. Parents may not teach the official driver education course for homeschooled students.

Your school or training provider should give you the DMV proof-of-completion form at the end of the course (commonly Form DL 387 for separate courses or DL 400 for integrated programs). If your provider uses different paperwork, confirm with the DMV ahead of your appointment.

Step 2 - Get a Learner's Permit

Once you have your proof of completion, make an appointment with the California DMV to apply for a permit. Expect to provide proof of identity and legal presence, your Social Security number, a completed application form, and parent/guardian consent if you're under 18.

At the DMV you'll have your photo and thumbprint taken, pass a vision exam, and take the written knowledge test. You'll also pay an application fee when you submit your paperwork. Specific form names, fee amounts, the number of questions on the written test, and the passing score can change - check the DMV website before your visit.

If you pass, the DMV will issue a learner's permit. This lets you drive only when accompanied by a licensed adult (typically age 25 or older unless otherwise stated by DMV rules).

Step 3 - Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training and Practice

Teens under 18 must complete a DMV-approved driver training course with a licensed instructor that includes behind-the-wheel instruction. The standard requirement is six hours of professional behind-the-wheel training. In addition, you must log supervised practice driving with a parent or guardian - 50 hours total, including at least 10 hours at night - during the six months you hold your permit. Your parent or guardian will certify those practice hours on your permit or the DMV form. ¹

Step 4 - Apply for a Provisional Driver License

After you've held the permit for the required minimum period (commonly six months), completed driver training and logged supervised practice hours, you can schedule the behind-the-wheel driving test. If you pass, the DMV will issue a provisional license with restrictions for drivers under 18.

Final notes

Requirements and exact forms, fees, and passing scores occasionally change. Always confirm current details on the California DMV website or by calling your local DMV office before you schedule an appointment. ²

1. Confirm current DMV application fee amount required for a learner's permit.
2. Verify the current number of questions and passing score for the written knowledge test.
3. Confirm whether Form DL 44 is still required for teen applicants and current names/numbers of DMV proof-of-completion forms (DL 387, DL 400).
4. Verify that the required behind-the-wheel training duration is still six hours and the supervised practice requirement remains 50 hours with 10 hours at night.
5. Confirm any age restrictions for the supervising adult (e.g., minimum age to supervise).