Short answer: If you’re 18 or older and have never had a driver’s license in any state or country, you start with an instruction permit. Fill out the DMV application, visit a DMV office with your identity and residency documents, pay the fee, and pass a vision test and a knowledge test (80% to pass). Then practice with a licensed driver and pass a behind-the-wheel drive test. The DMV’s requirements for adults do not include driver education or the six-month permit wait that applies to drivers under 18.
Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.
Start the free test →Who this guide is for
This guide is for adults (18+) getting their first California driver’s license. That includes people who have never driven and people who have only held a license from another country. If you’re under 18, read how to get your permit in California instead, because minors follow different rules. If you already have a valid license from another U.S. state, see our guide to getting a California license after moving here.
Step by step: your first California license at 18+
- Fill out the application. Start the Driver’s License & ID Card Application online on the DMV website. You’ll need a DMV online account, and the DMV says it takes about 9 minutes on average. A paper version is available at DMV field offices. You’ll get a confirmation number by email.
- Gather your documents. Bring proof of identity (original or certified copy), two proofs of California residency, and a legal name document if the name on your identity document doesn’t match your application. See the document section below.
- Visit a DMV office. An appointment is recommended. At the office you’ll provide your documents, pay the application fee, have your thumbprint scanned, take a vision exam and have your photo taken.
- Pass the knowledge test. It’s multiple choice and based on the California Driver’s Handbook. You need 80% to pass. Knowledge tests aren’t given at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m., so arrive early.
- Get your instruction permit and practice. Practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old. That person must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.
- Schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel drive test. The DMV doesn’t give driving tests without an appointment. Book one through the DMV’s appointment system.
- Get your license. The DMV mails your card to you. It points applicants to its Processing Times page for current mail times rather than giving a fixed timeframe for a first license.
The application and fee
As of November 2026, the DMV’s licensing fees page lists $46 for an original Class C (regular car) driver’s license application. The fee is nonrefundable. The DMV says your application and fee are valid for 12 months, and the fee gives you three attempts to pass the drive test. If you fail the drive test, you must schedule a new test on another day and pay a retest fee. Fees change, so check the DMV’s licensing fees page before you go.
Documents: identity, residency and Social Security number
According to the DMV, you’ll need:
- Proof of identity: an acceptable identity document, original or certified copy.
- Two proofs of residency: documents showing you live in California. The DMV notes that exceptions may apply.
- Legal full name document: only if your identity document and application show different names.
- Social Security number: the DMV says that if you have a Social Security number, the law requires you to provide it on your application. The handbook notes that exceptions may apply.
For a full checklist, see what to bring to the DMV permit test.
AB 60 driver’s licenses
The DMV says AB 60 driver’s licenses are for people who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the United States. Applicants must still meet DMV requirements and show proof of identity and California residency. The DMV offers an AB 60 checklist to help you confirm you have the right documents. AB 60 applicants take the knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel drive test. The DMV also states that people applying through AB 60 cannot get a REAL ID compliant card.
REAL ID or standard card?
The DMV says all noncommercial licenses come as either REAL ID compliant or federal non-compliant cards. A REAL ID card also lets you board domestic flights. If you choose REAL ID, the online application asks you to upload identity and residency documents, and you bring the originals to your office visit.
Adult rules vs. under-18 rules
This is where most adults get confused. The DMV’s Driver’s Licenses (DL) page says a provisional instruction permit “is only for drivers under the age of 18,” and that an instruction permit “would be issued to a person over age 18.” In the handbook, the six-month wait, driver education, driver training and 50 practice hours are listed under “If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to.” The adult permit requirements don’t include them.
| Requirement | Adults 18+ | Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Type of permit | Instruction permit | Provisional instruction permit |
| Driver education / driver training | Not listed in the adult requirements | Required |
| Hold permit before drive test | No minimum listed in the adult requirements | At least 6 months (or until age 18) |
| Supervised practice | With a California-licensed driver at least 18 | 50 hours (10 at night) with a California-licensed driver at least 25 |
| Parent or guardian signature | No | Yes |
| Knowledge test passing score | 80% | 80% |
One caution: a general drive-test checklist on the DMV’s instruction permit page mentions a six-month wait, 50 practice hours and driver training without naming an age. The DMV’s age-specific requirements place those items under the rules for drivers under 18. If you’re unsure about your situation, ask at your DMV office before you book.
The knowledge (written) test
The knowledge test uses multiple-choice questions drawn from the California Driver’s Handbook, and you need 80% to pass. You get three attempts to pass. If you fail the same test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply. Phones and other testing aids aren’t allowed. Read our full guide to the California DMV written test, then take the free 10-question practice test to see where you stand.
The vision test
The DMV tests every applicant to make sure they can see well enough to drive safely. If you don’t pass, the DMV will ask you to have your eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).
The behind-the-wheel drive test
Book your drive test online. On test day, the handbook says to bring:
- Your instruction permit
- A California-licensed adult driver to come with you
- A vehicle that is safe to drive
- Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration
If you use a rental car, your name must be on the contract and the contract can’t exclude drive tests. Before you drive, the examiner checks items like your mirrors, brake lights, horn, signals and seat belts. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements, your test will be rescheduled. If you hold a valid license from another country, the DMV says you must pass a drive test for an original California license, and an accompanying driver is required to and from the test. Learn more in our California behind-the-wheel test guide.
Get ready for test day
The knowledge test is the first real hurdle, and every question comes from the handbook. A few short practice rounds can show you which topics need more study. Take the free 10-question practice test before your DMV visit.
Planning to fly with your new license? See our California REAL ID guide for the documents you need.
Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.
Start the free test →Frequently asked questions
Do adults have to take driver's ed in California?
The DMV's requirements for applicants 18 and older do not list driver education or driver training. The handbook lists those requirements under the rules for drivers under 18.
How long do I have to hold my permit if I'm over 18?
The DMV's adult requirements do not list a minimum holding period. The six-month wait appears in the rules for drivers under 18 and for the provisional instruction permit, which the DMV says is only for drivers under 18. If you're unsure, ask your DMV office.
How much does a California driver's license cost for an adult?
As of November 2026, the DMV's licensing fees page lists $46 for an original Class C driver's license application. The fee is nonrefundable, valid for 12 months, and covers three attempts at the drive test.
Who can ride with me while I drive on an adult permit?
The handbook says to practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old, seated close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.
Can I get a California license if I can't prove legal presence?
The DMV offers AB 60 driver's licenses for people who are unable to provide proof of legal presence in the U.S. You still need proof of identity and California residency, and you must pass the knowledge and drive tests. AB 60 applicants can't get a REAL ID compliant card.
I have a license from another country. Do I still need to test?
Yes. The DMV says applicants with a valid license from another country follow the standard application steps and must also pass a driving test. An accompanying driver is required to and from the drive test.