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If you type "how to get a driver's license in California" into a search engine, you might get lost in all the government jargon. The DMV website has a lot of information, but it can be hard to understand. There is a certain order that everyone, teens and adults, must follow to get their license.
Every day, we help students find their way through this maze at AAA Car Driving School in Santa Clara. This is a simple list of what you need to do.
Step 1: The Application and the Written Test
You need permission to touch the steering wheel first.
• The Application: Go to the DMV website and fill out the DL 44 application online.
• The Papers: Get your "Real ID" papers together. These include your passport or birth certificate, your Social Security number, and two proofs of where you live.
• The Knowledge Test: You have to pass a written test on the rules of the road.
o Tip: Use the DMV app's practice tests. The questions are usually the same.
o If you are under 17 ½, you also need to show proof that you finished a Drivers Ed (classroom or online) course.
Step 2: The Permit and How to Validate It
You get a learner's permit after you pass the written test.
• For adults (18 and older): You can drive right away with any licensed adult (18 and older) in the car.
• For teens (under 18): STOP! Your permit isn't valid yet. You can't drive with your parents. You need to take your first lesson with a licensed driving instructor, which is us! We make your permit legal by signing it.
Step 3: The Practice Stage
This is where the work really gets done.
• Teens: You must keep the permit for six months and log 50 hours of driving practice with a parent or guardian, 10 of which must be at night. You also need to get 6 hours of training from a professional.
• Adults: There is no waiting period or hourly requirement, but we strongly suggest taking lessons from a professional to avoid picking up bad habits that will make you fail automatically.
Step 4: The Test Behind the Wheel
The last boss. You need to make an appointment at a DMV office, like in Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, or another city.
• The Vehicle: You need to bring a car. It needs to be registered, insured, and have working lights and signals. (If you don't have one, use our DMV Car Rental Service, which includes a warm-up before the test!)
• The Test: It takes 15 to 20 minutes and includes driving in residential areas, business districts, parking, and backing up.
Step 5: The Freedom
You will get a temporary paper license after you pass. In a few weeks, you'll get your plastic card in the mail.
Need help with steps 2 or 4? That's what we do best. AAA Car Driving School is there for you every step of the way, from checking permits to giving you the car for the test. Get in touch with us to get started.
Every day, we help students find their way through this maze at AAA Car Driving School in Santa Clara. This is a simple list of what you need to do.
Step 1: The Application and the Written Test
You need permission to touch the steering wheel first.
• The Application: Go to the DMV website and fill out the DL 44 application online.
• The Papers: Get your "Real ID" papers together. These include your passport or birth certificate, your Social Security number, and two proofs of where you live.
• The Knowledge Test: You have to pass a written test on the rules of the road.
o Tip: Use the DMV app's practice tests. The questions are usually the same.
o If you are under 17 ½, you also need to show proof that you finished a Drivers Ed (classroom or online) course.
Step 2: The Permit and How to Validate It
You get a learner's permit after you pass the written test.
• For adults (18 and older): You can drive right away with any licensed adult (18 and older) in the car.
• For teens (under 18): STOP! Your permit isn't valid yet. You can't drive with your parents. You need to take your first lesson with a licensed driving instructor, which is us! We make your permit legal by signing it.
Step 3: The Practice Stage
This is where the work really gets done.
• Teens: You must keep the permit for six months and log 50 hours of driving practice with a parent or guardian, 10 of which must be at night. You also need to get 6 hours of training from a professional.
• Adults: There is no waiting period or hourly requirement, but we strongly suggest taking lessons from a professional to avoid picking up bad habits that will make you fail automatically.
Step 4: The Test Behind the Wheel
The last boss. You need to make an appointment at a DMV office, like in Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Gatos, or another city.
• The Vehicle: You need to bring a car. It needs to be registered, insured, and have working lights and signals. (If you don't have one, use our DMV Car Rental Service, which includes a warm-up before the test!)
• The Test: It takes 15 to 20 minutes and includes driving in residential areas, business districts, parking, and backing up.
Step 5: The Freedom
You will get a temporary paper license after you pass. In a few weeks, you'll get your plastic card in the mail.
Need help with steps 2 or 4? That's what we do best. AAA Car Driving School is there for you every step of the way, from checking permits to giving you the car for the test. Get in touch with us to get started.