Provisional Driver Permit Requirements & Info
(under age of 18 years)

To apply for a provisional permit, you will need the following:

Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age

Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)

Complete the application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies obtained by xeroxing, faxing, or other methods will not be accepted.)

Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44

Give a thumb print

Have your picture taken

Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

Verify your birth date and legal presence

Provide your true full name

Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes (See below for details.)

Pay the application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)

Pass a vision exam

Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. (Passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Driver Education and Driver Training
Form Requirements

If you are 15 ½ to 17 ½ years of age, you will need to provide proof that you:

Completed driver education (Form DL 387 or OL 237) and are taking driver training (DL 392 or OL 392)

OR

Completed driver education and driver training (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238).

OR

Are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program (DL 400).

If you are over 17 ½ but under 18 years of age, you may get your permit without the driver education and driver training certificates however, you will not be able to take the driving test until you turn 18.

Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional permit. A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in a position close enough to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.


Driver Education and Driver
Training Information (per DMV)
You may take driver education (classroom training) or driver training (behind-the-wheel) in a public or private high school, or in a state licensed, professional driving school.

Driver Education and Driver Training courses must be conducted as prescribed by the Department of Education. Driver Education must consist of at least 30 hours or 2 1/2 semester periods of professional classroom instruction. Driver training must consist of at least six hours of behind-the-wheel professional instruction.

Professional schools and instructors in California are licensed by the DMV. Schools must carry liability insurance, be bonded, and maintain complete records for DMV inspection. Their teaching cars are subject to inspection every 6 months. Instructors must pass qualifying examinations every three years, or show proof of continuing education in traffic safety.