How to Get a Driving License in California
Getting a California driver’s license is the first step to becoming an adult. We have a higher level of independence and responsibility. The license itself provides a lot of those feelings. However, knowing how to get a driving license in California also requires a long process.
How to Get a Driving License in California
No one needs to figure out how to get a driving license in California alone; the Varsity Driving Academy can help. The first step on the California licensing journey is to get a learner’s permit. You must be at least 15 and a half years old to get a learner’s permit.
However, a few steps must be completed before teens can get a learner’s permit. The first step is driver’s education. Varsity Driving Academy offers students the opportunity to complete this course online. The course is a 25 hour course that covers driving laws, basics of driving, and safety tips.
These things will all be covered on the written test at the DMV. The written test, which has 46 multiple-choice questions, assesses a teen’s understanding of driving laws and safety. It’s an essential step in the process, and Varsity Driving Academy can help you prepare.
Teens will need to answer 38 permit test questions correctly to pass. However, failing a permit test isn’t the end. Teens will only have to wait 7 days to take the written test again if they fail. The DMV process is a lengthy one.
Teens will want to be prepared by bringing a completed Form DL 44, proof of full name, age, and SSN, proof of legal California residency, a Certificate of Completion from driver’s ed, a parent or guardian signature, and the fee.
The learner’s permit opens the door to the next step, driving practice. Teens who are over the age of 17 and a half do not have to complete driver’s education. Instead, they can skip straight to the written test at the DMV.
California Behind-The-Wheel-Training
Learning how to get a driving license in California is all about tackling each step one at a time. Driver’s ed is the first step, the written test is the second, and driver training is the third. California requires teens to complete a total of 56 hours before they can take the driving test at the DMV.
This test is the culmination of your learning journey, and it’s crucial to be well-prepared. Those hours are meant to be divided up, with 6 hours under a certified trainer’s supervision and the other 50 with a parent or guardian. The first time a teen uses their learner’s permit must be with a certified trainer.
The certified trainer will validate the permit, allowing the teen to drive with anyone over 25. The DMV also recommends that 10 of those hours should be completed at night to ensure they get a nighttime driving experience as well.
Teens are expected to keep track of these hours, maybe with a little help from parents or guardians. The driving test is the next and biggest step in the process.
The Driving Test
Teens are expected to keep a learner’s permit for at least 6 months before they can schedule their driving test at the DMV. This is how to get a driving license in California. The driving test can be scheduled online but must be taken in person, and teens must bring their own vehicle.
However, the car doesn’t have to belong to them. In fact, the DMV package at Varsity Driving Academy allows teens to use the training vehicle for this test. The test will last about 20 minutes and cover basics like turns, stops, reversing, and lane changes.
Teens must bring their learner’s permit, proof of vehicle registration, and a parent or guardian with them to the test. However, teens can pick any California DMV location to take the test. Teens will be graded by a DMV representative in the vehicle.
Failing isn’t an end-all either, teens can retake the driving test 2 weeks after the failed attempt. Passing the test provides teens with a provisional license.
What is a Provisional License?
Knowing how to get a driving license in California means taking a journey. That journey culminates in the driving test at the DMV. However, passing the driving test is not the end of it all. Teens will be granted access to a provisional license.
A provisional license in California is a driver’s license with provisions. These provisions are meant to give teens time to familiarize themselves with operating a car in as many different scenarios as possible. The license remains provisional until the teen turns 18.
The provisions include no driving between 11 pm and 5 am. They also can’t drive with any passengers under the age of 20 in the car unless there is an adult over the age of 25 in the car as well. Teens can be given exceptions to these rules for emergencies, family, school, or work.
A full license will be granted once the teen reaches 18 without any infractions. That is how to get a driving license in California.
It’s interesting to see the differences in requirements from Rhode Island and California. Although the same outcome still has to be present right? Drive safe and don’t get tickets! : )