How do I get my Driver License before I turn 18?

1. DRIVER EDUCATION CLASS

Complete Driver Education class at Roadrunner Driving School and receive a Driver Education Completion Certificate. You may also complete an online Driver Education course. The only course we recommend is Cal-Driver-Ed.com (we are not affiliated with them, nor receive any money for recommending them, it is simply the best online course we have found.)

2. LEARNER’S PERMIT 

When you are at least 15 1/2 years old, you may go to the DMV and take the written test. The test is 46 multiple choice questions, and you can miss 8 and still pass. An appointment is recommended, but you may walk in without one.  They will not give the test if you arrive after 4:00 pm.   To schedule an appointment, call the DMV at 800.777.0133, or schedule online at dmv.ca.gov.

FOR THE DMV WRITTEN TEST, YOU MUST PROVIDE:

  • 1.  $45.00 application fee.
  • 2.  Confirmation code you receive after completing the application (DL44) online at dmv.ca.gov.
  • 3.  Birth Certificate or passport – NO photocopies
  • 4.  Social Security card – NO photocopies
  • 5.  Two (2) legal presence documents – photo copies are accepted (See dmv.ca.gov for examples)
  • 6.  Driver Ed Completion Certificate (blue for class room, pink for online)
  • 7.  If you are a minor, Parent/Guardian signature required on DL44.

CALL (707)546-3238 TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST DRIVING LESSON.

State law requires that drivers license applicants under the age of 18 have at least 6 hours(three 2 hour sessions) of Driver Training with a DMV certified instructor.  After your first lesson, your instructor will sign your permit to validate it, allowing you to practice driving with a legal coach.

3. PRACTICE DRIVING BETWEEN LESSONS

Minors must practice driving between lessons with a California licensed driver over the age of 25 years. This person must be seated next to you, awake and not under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. Supervised practice must include no less than 50 hours of drive time, including 10 hours at night. It does not include the 6 hours with licensed instructor.  Keep the written log we provide during your first lesson of your driving hours and bring it to each lesson.

Do not just drive to school and back and in familiar areas over and over again. New drivers need exposure to new situations to help them develop their visual search pattern, timing and judgment, and ability to anticipate other roadway users. Driving takes practice, just like math, sports, music, art or any other skill. The 50 hours practice are critical for new drivers to develop their driving skills.  After your third driving lesson, you will receive a Driver Training Completion Certificate (gold).

4. DRIVER’S LICENSE

When you have completed six hours of Driver Training and at least 50 hours of practice,  have had your permit for at least 6 months and you are at least 16 years old, you are eligible to take the DMV driving test. You should be able to schedule the test up to 90 days prior to the date you want to test.  That time varies with the DMV.

FOR THE DMV DRIVING TEST YOU MUST PROVIDE:

  • Your Permit – second page signed by instructor and parent/guardian
  • Driver Training Completion Certificate (gold)
  • Proof of Insurance for the car being used for the driving test
  • Current Registration for the car being used for the test

5. Restrictions on your license for 1 year or until you turn 18

Provisional licensees cannot drive between 11pm and 5am and cannot drive with passengers under the age of 20. Both of these restrictions do not apply when you have a 25 year old CA licensed driver in the front right seat (just like was required for your permit practice hours).

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