Top1) Choose Your License

Whether you are a teenager ready to get behind the wheel or you just moved to the state, you must obtain a driver’s license to legally operate a motor vehicle on California roads. The state offers the following types of licenses, valid for four years:

• Class C (regular driver's license for all passenger cars, pickups, SUVs, and recreational vehicles (RVs) 40 feet long or less)

• Class M1/M2 (motorcycle)

• Noncommercial Class A or B (see below for vehicle details)

• Commercial (CDL)

NOTE: If you are younger than 18 you must first take a driver’s ed course, get a permit and complete a driver's training program for in-car instruction before applying for a California provisional driver license.

Class A

You may drive any vehicle covered under the basic Class C license, plus you may tow the following:

• Travel trailer with a GVWR of greater than 10,000 pounds that is not used for hire.

• Any fifth-wheel travel trailer weighing more than 15,000 pounds not used for hire.

• Livestock trailer weighing 10,000 to 15,000 pounds operated by a farmer to transport livestock within 150 miles of the farm, not used for hire.

Class B

You may drive any vehicle covered under the basic Class C license, plus any housecar (RV or motor home) more than 40 feet but not more than 45 feet long. You may also tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, including a tow dolly if used.

Top2) Take a Driver’s Education Course

Younger than 18―driver’s ed is a requirement.

18 and Older―If you are obtaining a Class C license for the first time, you should consider completing a driver's education class. Although it is not a requirement, it is a good idea to take a supplemental course such as the one offered by our sponsor before you take the written test at the DMV.

Top3) Prepare for the Test

The California Driver Handbook is a great resource. Once you have thoroughly studied it and possibly completed a supplemental course, you'll want to take a few practice tests.

Top4) Locate a DMV Office

Because you'll need to go to the DMV to take your written test, make an appointment at the nearest office.

Top5) Make Test-Day Preparations

Class C

On the day of the test be ready to:

• Pay the application fee of $28. Credit cards are not accepted.

• Fill out form DL 44, which isn't available online, as the DMV only accepts its original form. Pick one up from your local DMV; or call (800) 777-0133; or simply fill it out when you come in for your license exam.

• Show proof of birthdate and legal residency (original or certified copy).

• Give your Social Security number and your true full name (no laminated cards).

• Have your thumbprint and your picture taken and take a vision test.

Noncommercial Class A and B

On the day of the test be ready to:

• Fill out the DL 44C Form. Even though the license is noncommercial, you'll still use the commercial form. Feel free to print the form and fill out from home if you prefer not to fill it out at the DMV

• Fill out a health questionnaire (DL 546 or DL 546A for the Class B) to verify you've got no preexisting conditions that would make driving or towing a huge vehicle dangerous. These forms may need to be filled out by your doctor, so be sure to get it done ahead of time.

• Pay the application fee of $28. Credit cards are not accepted.

• Show proof of birthdate and legal residency (original or certified copy).

• Give your Social Security number and your true full name (no laminated cards).

• Have your thumbprint and your picture taken and take a vision test.

Once you pass the written test for your license class, you'll get a permit. The permit only allows you to drive with someone who's got the same license class.

After you spend adequate time practicing, you'll go to the DMV to take your driving test when you apply for the actual license. Read more on scheduling the test in the section below titled Take the Driving Test.

Top6) Take the Written Test

Once you have studied the California Driver Handbook, possibly taken a supplemental driver's ed course, and have all the requirements listed above ready to go, you'll visit the DMV at the scheduled time of your appointment to take the test. You have three chances to pass.

NOTE: For those with special needs, the DMV also offers the test in different languages; in cassette form; in American Sign Language; or Person-to-Person (administered by a real live person asking the questions).

Top7) Get a Car

Regardless of age, if you have never held a driver's license you must take a driving test. Therefore, you'll need wheels. Although a driver's training program will provide you with an automobile during in-car instruction, you'll need a car of your own to practice on the California roads.

Consider buying a car that will suit your needs. If you will use your car for commuting, look for something offering optimal gas mileage. If you need something inexpensive just to get around, look into slightly used cars for a good deal. Just be sure you get a vehicle history report before you lay your money down. The details revealed on a VHR will give you the valuable background info on a car before you buy.

Top8) Get Car Insurance

Before you get behind the wheel―even if you are a new driver practicing to take the driving test―you must have car insurance. Check out our Insurance Center to shop for the best rate.

Top9) Take the Driving Test

If you hold a valid license from another state and you simply need to swap your out-of-state license for a California license, you are not required to take the driving test.

However, first-time drivers must take a driving test. Just be sure you make an appointment; the DMV will not administer the test without one. You also must provide proof of financial responsibility. Check our Insurance Center for details on state requirements.

NOTE: If you are applying for a Noncommercial Class A or B license, bring your own vehicle to the DMV for inspection. You will take the driving test in your own vehicle.

Once You Pass

The DMV will issue you an interim license you can use until you receive your new photo license by mail. This license is valid for 60 days.

If You Fail

You can take the test three times if you have trouble passing. Although there is no minimum waiting period between tests, you must make another appointment each time you retest. Each additional test will cost you $6.

Top10) Receive Your License in the Mail

You should receive your license within 60 days. If it doesn't arrive, have your interim license handy and call (800) 777-0133 to check the status.

Top Non-Citizens

If you're visiting California, your valid foreign license is recognized and accepted. An International Driver's Permit alone is not sufficient. This document, which translates your foreign license into a more comprehensible format for U.S. officials, is a good supplement to your foreign license, but not a substitute.

If you establish residency in the U.S. but are not yet a citizen, and you want to obtain a California license keep reading.

How to Apply as a Non-Citizen

1. Have ready your birthdate/legal presence* (BD/LP) document and your Social Security number.
2. Follow the procedure for obtaining a Class C license; normal application fees and testing requirements apply
3. Once you pass the test the DMV will mail you your license or ID after the Department of Homeland Security verifies your legal status.

*When entering the country with a valid passport or travel document, you are issued a BD/LP. This document indicates how long you are permitted to stay in the U.S. You can begin the process of getting your California license if your BD/LP is good for at least 30 days, but if it expires in less than 60 days, you won't get your license or ID until you provide a BD/LP valid for 60 days or more.

• If your BD/LP expires in less than five years from your application date (six years for an ID card), your license will be limited term.

• If your BD/LP expires in more than five years from your application date (again, six years for your ID card), your license will be full term.

NOTE: Non-citizens can obtain a Social Security number by submitting an application to the Social Security Administration in person along with documents proving immigration status, work eligibility, age, and identity. The SSA has an automated phone system at (800) 772-1213 that can answer most inquiries.

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