Learn the California requirements for obtaining your instruction permit and driver's license.
UNDER 17 1/2 YEARS OF AGE
If you are under 17 1/2 years old, the first thing to do is complete a driver education class at a licensed school before getting your instruction permit. At The Driving Academy, we have a Virtual Driver Ed Integrated Program. This program allows you to start your behind-the-wheel driver training on your 15th birthday while enrolled in our Virtual driver ed class. We'll issue a special DMV issued Student License allowing you to practice driving in real world situations prior to obtaining a learner permit. Our Integrated Program gives you the foundational skills, experience, and confidence you need to pass your written permit and driving test and become a safer driver for life.
Our Integrated Program satisfies the requirements needed to get a learner's permit and driver license in the state of California
Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) driver training
At age 15, you can begin driver education, and when you are 15 1/2 years old, you can apply for an instruction permit. The permit allows you to drive only with supervision from a parent, guardian, or driver over 25 with an unrestricted California license. You must log 50 hours of supervised driving time, including 10 hours after dark.
After six months and 50 hours of supervised driving practice, you can take the road test and get a provisional license. A provisional license allows you to drive alone, but with a few restrictions:
- You can not drive between the hours of 11 PM and 5 AM
- You can not transport any passengers under the age of 20 unless supervised by a parent, guardian, or driver over 25 years old with an unrestricted license.
After one year of driving with a provisional license or after your 18th birthday, you become a fully licensed and unrestricted driver.
Learn more about the requirements for first-time drivers in California's Teen Drivers Guide.
OVER 17 1/2 YEARS OF AGE
If you are over 17 1/2 years old and have never had a driver's license, you do not need to take driver education but are still required to get a learner's permit before you get a driver's license. While not required, you may want to take a driver education course to help lower your car insurance costs. Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have taken an education course like this one. Taking driver's ed can also help you become a safer, more prudent driver.
You can still enroll in our Integrated Program or BTW Driver Training Programs and begin driving lessons prior to obtaining a DMV issued learner's permit. We can issue you a student license which allows you to begin driving lessons
Even if you're over 18, you cannot drive alone with only a Learner's permit. Until you have your regular license, you must have a parent, guardian, spouse, or driver over 18 years old with an unrestricted license in the car when you drive.
Once you have your instruction permit, you can take the driving test when you are ready to get your driver's license.