DMV WRITTEN TEST
Notable Changes in 2023 - ANS -Online Driver's License Renewal for Californians 70 and
Older Ends December 31
New Requirement for Permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard Renewals - ANS -The
DMV is sending notices to Californians who have had their permanent Disabled Person
Parking Placard for at least six years and asking them to confirm that they are still in
need of one
Making Our Roads and Communities Safer - ANS -Consumer Notices for Semi
Autonomous Vehicles
Enhanced Safeguards for Bicycle Riders
Ban on Sideshows at Parking Facilities
Crackdown on Catalytic Converter Theft
Honoring Our Veterans
Veteran Designation on Driver's Licenses (S - ANS -This law eliminates the $5 fee for
obtaining a military "VETERAN" designation on a driver's license or identification (ID)
card
Advancing Modernization - ANS -Digital Notices and Remote Renewals for Some
Transactions
Alternatives to Conventional License Plates, Stickers, Tabs, and Registration Cards
Promoting Equity - ANS -Reform of License Suspension Law
A California driver's license allows you to drive on public roads. - ANS -Before you can
get a driver's license in California, you are required to pass the knowledge and
behind-the-wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook.
Card Designations
REAL ID Driver's License - ANS -Beginning May 2025, your driver's license or
identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to:
Board an airplane for domestic flights.
,Enter military bases.
Enter most federal facilities.
Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Residents - ANS -California offers driver's licenses
for all residents regardless of immigration status. For more information
ID Cards - ANS -ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any
age. They do not permit you to drive
Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License - ANS -To apply for an instruction
permit or driver's license, you must provide:
Proof of identity: Proving who you are.
Two proofs of residency: Proving you live in California. Exceptions may apply.
Legal full name document: Proving your current name if the name on your identity
document and application do not match.
Social security number: Exceptions may apply.
Applying For An Instruction Permit - ANS -To apply for a Class C instruction permit:
Complete a Driver's License & ID Card Application.
Provide your documents.
Pay a non-refundable application fee.
Pass your knowledge test(s).
Pass a vision test.
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to: - ANS -Be at least 15½ years old.
Complete a driver education program.
Have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application and accept financial
responsibility (see Section 10). If your parents or guardians share joint custody of you,
both must sign.
Wait to use your instruction permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with
an instructor who will validate the permit.
Driving Schools - ANS -Driver education and driver training are offered at DMV-licensed
driving schools and some high schools. Instructors must carry an instructor's ID card.
Ask to see it.
Applying For A Driver's License - ANS -To get your driver's license after you have your
instruction permit, you need to:
Practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for
minors). This person must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.
Pass a behind-the-wheel drive test.
,If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to: - ANS -Be at least 16 years old.
Have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months (or turn
18 years old) before scheduling your behind-the-wheel drive test.
Prove that you completed both driver education and driver training.
Practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25
years old. Ten hours must be at night.
Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions - ANS -When you are under 18 years old, your
driver's license will have the word provisional. As a provisional driver, you cannot drive:
Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months you have your license.
With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other
California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) rides with you.
For pay or operate vehicles that require a commercial Class A, B, or C license.
Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions - ANS -There are exceptions to these restrictions if
you:
Have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel. You must carry a
note signed by your physician. The note must have your medical condition and date you
are expected to recover.
Drive for schooling or a school activity. You must carry a note signed by your school
principal, dean, or designee.
Must drive for work reasons. You must carry a note signed by your employer. The note
must confirm your employment.
Must drive an immediate family member. You must carry a note signed by your parent or
legal guardian. The note must state the reason you need to drive, the family member, and
date when the need will end.
Driver's License Tests - ANS -Vision Test
DMV tests all applicants to ensure they can see well enough to drive safely. If you take
your vision test with corrective or contact lenses, your driver's license will have a
corrective lenses restriction. If you do not pass your vision test, you will be asked to
have your eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination form.
Knowledge Test - ANS -When you apply for an original driver's license, you must pass a
knowledge test with multiple choice questions. You are allowed three attempts to pass
before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test,
not including the day of the failure.
Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test - ANS -When you apply for an original driver's license, you
will be tested on your ability to safely drive a vehicle. Upon renewal, drivers with a vision
, or medical condition may be required to take a behind-the-wheel test. The examiner may
give two or more instructions at one time to determine whether you can understand and
properly follow both directions. For example, "At the next street, make a left turn, and
then at the first intersection make another left turn."
On the day of your behind-the-wheel test, you must bring - ANS -Your instruction permit
or driver's license (if you have one).
Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors), unless you
are already licensed to drive.
A vehicle that is safe to drive for your test.
Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
If you plan to use a rental vehicle for your drive test, your name must be listed on the
rental contract. The contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.
Before you begin, the DMV examiner will ask you to locate and demonstrate the
following: - ANS -Driver window - The window on the driver side must open.
Windshield - The windshield must allow a full, clear, unblocked view for you and the DMV
examiner. Windshield cracks may postpone your test.
Rear-view mirrors - At least two rearview mirrors. One of them must be on the left side of
your vehicle.
Brake lights - The right and left brake lights must be operational.
Tires - The tires must have at least 1/32-inch of uniformed tread depth. The use of a donut
tire is not allowed during a drive test.
Foot brake - There must be at least one inch of clearance between the bottom of the
brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed.
Horn - Designed for the vehicle, in proper working condition, and loud enough to be
heard from a distance of at least 200 feet.
Emergency (parking brake) - How to set and release the parking brake.
Turn/Arm signals
Left turn.
Right turn.
Slowing down or stopping.
Windshield wipers: control arm or switch - You may be required to show they function.
Seat belts - All seat belts must work properly and be used by the individual(s) in the
vehicle.
Other Things to Know for Your Behind-the-Wheel Test - ANS -The drive test is intended
to determine your skill in operating a motor vehicle in most road situations and evaluate
your abilities, not the vehicle's technology
Vision - ANS -You must be able to notice hazards in different types of lighting, judge
distances, adjust to traffic speed, and read road signs.
Notable Changes in 2023 - ANS -Online Driver's License Renewal for Californians 70 and
Older Ends December 31
New Requirement for Permanent Disabled Person Parking Placard Renewals - ANS -The
DMV is sending notices to Californians who have had their permanent Disabled Person
Parking Placard for at least six years and asking them to confirm that they are still in
need of one
Making Our Roads and Communities Safer - ANS -Consumer Notices for Semi
Autonomous Vehicles
Enhanced Safeguards for Bicycle Riders
Ban on Sideshows at Parking Facilities
Crackdown on Catalytic Converter Theft
Honoring Our Veterans
Veteran Designation on Driver's Licenses (S - ANS -This law eliminates the $5 fee for
obtaining a military "VETERAN" designation on a driver's license or identification (ID)
card
Advancing Modernization - ANS -Digital Notices and Remote Renewals for Some
Transactions
Alternatives to Conventional License Plates, Stickers, Tabs, and Registration Cards
Promoting Equity - ANS -Reform of License Suspension Law
A California driver's license allows you to drive on public roads. - ANS -Before you can
get a driver's license in California, you are required to pass the knowledge and
behind-the-wheel drive tests based on information in this handbook.
Card Designations
REAL ID Driver's License - ANS -Beginning May 2025, your driver's license or
identification (ID) card must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to:
Board an airplane for domestic flights.
,Enter military bases.
Enter most federal facilities.
Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Residents - ANS -California offers driver's licenses
for all residents regardless of immigration status. For more information
ID Cards - ANS -ID cards are issued for identification purposes to eligible persons of any
age. They do not permit you to drive
Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License - ANS -To apply for an instruction
permit or driver's license, you must provide:
Proof of identity: Proving who you are.
Two proofs of residency: Proving you live in California. Exceptions may apply.
Legal full name document: Proving your current name if the name on your identity
document and application do not match.
Social security number: Exceptions may apply.
Applying For An Instruction Permit - ANS -To apply for a Class C instruction permit:
Complete a Driver's License & ID Card Application.
Provide your documents.
Pay a non-refundable application fee.
Pass your knowledge test(s).
Pass a vision test.
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to: - ANS -Be at least 15½ years old.
Complete a driver education program.
Have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application and accept financial
responsibility (see Section 10). If your parents or guardians share joint custody of you,
both must sign.
Wait to use your instruction permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with
an instructor who will validate the permit.
Driving Schools - ANS -Driver education and driver training are offered at DMV-licensed
driving schools and some high schools. Instructors must carry an instructor's ID card.
Ask to see it.
Applying For A Driver's License - ANS -To get your driver's license after you have your
instruction permit, you need to:
Practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for
minors). This person must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.
Pass a behind-the-wheel drive test.
,If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to: - ANS -Be at least 16 years old.
Have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months (or turn
18 years old) before scheduling your behind-the-wheel drive test.
Prove that you completed both driver education and driver training.
Practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25
years old. Ten hours must be at night.
Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions - ANS -When you are under 18 years old, your
driver's license will have the word provisional. As a provisional driver, you cannot drive:
Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months you have your license.
With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other
California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) rides with you.
For pay or operate vehicles that require a commercial Class A, B, or C license.
Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions - ANS -There are exceptions to these restrictions if
you:
Have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel. You must carry a
note signed by your physician. The note must have your medical condition and date you
are expected to recover.
Drive for schooling or a school activity. You must carry a note signed by your school
principal, dean, or designee.
Must drive for work reasons. You must carry a note signed by your employer. The note
must confirm your employment.
Must drive an immediate family member. You must carry a note signed by your parent or
legal guardian. The note must state the reason you need to drive, the family member, and
date when the need will end.
Driver's License Tests - ANS -Vision Test
DMV tests all applicants to ensure they can see well enough to drive safely. If you take
your vision test with corrective or contact lenses, your driver's license will have a
corrective lenses restriction. If you do not pass your vision test, you will be asked to
have your eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination form.
Knowledge Test - ANS -When you apply for an original driver's license, you must pass a
knowledge test with multiple choice questions. You are allowed three attempts to pass
before you must reapply. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test,
not including the day of the failure.
Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test - ANS -When you apply for an original driver's license, you
will be tested on your ability to safely drive a vehicle. Upon renewal, drivers with a vision
, or medical condition may be required to take a behind-the-wheel test. The examiner may
give two or more instructions at one time to determine whether you can understand and
properly follow both directions. For example, "At the next street, make a left turn, and
then at the first intersection make another left turn."
On the day of your behind-the-wheel test, you must bring - ANS -Your instruction permit
or driver's license (if you have one).
Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors), unless you
are already licensed to drive.
A vehicle that is safe to drive for your test.
Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
If you plan to use a rental vehicle for your drive test, your name must be listed on the
rental contract. The contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.
Before you begin, the DMV examiner will ask you to locate and demonstrate the
following: - ANS -Driver window - The window on the driver side must open.
Windshield - The windshield must allow a full, clear, unblocked view for you and the DMV
examiner. Windshield cracks may postpone your test.
Rear-view mirrors - At least two rearview mirrors. One of them must be on the left side of
your vehicle.
Brake lights - The right and left brake lights must be operational.
Tires - The tires must have at least 1/32-inch of uniformed tread depth. The use of a donut
tire is not allowed during a drive test.
Foot brake - There must be at least one inch of clearance between the bottom of the
brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed.
Horn - Designed for the vehicle, in proper working condition, and loud enough to be
heard from a distance of at least 200 feet.
Emergency (parking brake) - How to set and release the parking brake.
Turn/Arm signals
Left turn.
Right turn.
Slowing down or stopping.
Windshield wipers: control arm or switch - You may be required to show they function.
Seat belts - All seat belts must work properly and be used by the individual(s) in the
vehicle.
Other Things to Know for Your Behind-the-Wheel Test - ANS -The drive test is intended
to determine your skill in operating a motor vehicle in most road situations and evaluate
your abilities, not the vehicle's technology
Vision - ANS -You must be able to notice hazards in different types of lighting, judge
distances, adjust to traffic speed, and read road signs.
