California Driving Test Routes (CA)

Getting Your Instruction Permit & License Requirements

To get your instruction permit (learner’s permit), you need to be at least 15½ years old, and then pass both a written knowledge, and vision test. If you’re under 18, you will also need to complete a driver education course.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

1. Proof of identity

2. Two documents that prove you currently live in California

3. Your Social Security number (if eligible).

4. If your name has changed (e.g. due to marriage), documents showing the old and new legal names.

Supervised Driving & Graduated Licensing (Minors)

If you are under 18, holding a provisional license, you must have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. You must also complete driver education and driver training.

Supervised Driving

You also need to log 50 hours of supervised driving alongside a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. 10 of those 50 hours must be at night to help ensure you get enough experience driving in all conditions.

Your provisional license will come with restrictions for the first 12 months:

• No driving between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless supervised.

• No passengers under 20 years old in the car (unless there’s a qualifying supervising adult with you).

Tests & Checks You’ll Face

• Knowledge Test: You get three attempts to pass a multiple-choice written test to demonstrate your understanding of California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. If you fail, minors must wait seven days before trying again.

• Vision Test: Everyone must pass a mandatory vision screening. If you need glasses or contacts to see clearly, your license will have a corrective lenses restriction to ensure you wear them.

• Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test: The practical test where you drive alongside a DMV examiner. Before the driving begins, there will be a pre-drive safety check, then you’ll drive on roads following instructions. You will be evaluated on how safely you handle real-world driving.

Note: For further information on all 3 tests, read this page from the California Drivers Handbook.

What Happens If Things Go Wrong

If your vehicle fails the pre-drive safety check: (for example, brake lights, mirrors, turn signals, tires worn), the DMV will cancel your test.

If you fail the written test: Minors must wait 7 days to retake. For the driving test, after a failure, there’s a wait period of 14 days before retrying.

Route Variations

Some DMV tests will include extra elements (such as freeway driving, area-limited testing, or more complex instructions) where needed (for example, for people with special conditions).