You will then be issued a permit if you have never been licensed before. When you
practice, you must have an accompanying adult who is 18 years or older, with a valid
California license. This person must be close enough to you to take control of the
vehicle if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone.
If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If
you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.
To take your driving test, you will need to:
Make a driving test appointment. (Driving tests are not given without an
appointment.) You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.
Provide proof of financial responsibility
Meet the California insurance requirements
You have three chances to pass the driving test. If you fail, you may practice for a
while, and then make another appointment. There is no waiting period, but you must
make an appointment. If you fail to successfully complete the driving test on the first
attempt, you must pay a $6 fee for each additional driving test that is administered
under an application for an original or renewal driver license.
After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until
you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you
leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is
incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 and
they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide
information when requested.
If your name is different on your birth date and/or legal presence document than the
one you are currently using, you will also need to provide an additional acceptable
document to establish your true full name, such as; a marriage certificate, dissolution of
marriage, adoption or name change document that shows your current name.
HOW MUCH COVERAGE IS NEEDED TO RENEW MY VEHICLE?
You must have liability insurance covering damage to the person or property of others.
Comprehensive or collision coverage only is for damage to your vehicle, and does not
meet the financial responsibility requirement.
Full coverage may only cover your damage. Check your policy or talk to your agent or
broker to be sure that you have the correct liability insurance coverage for each
vehicle you own. The minimum liability insurance coverage required for private
passenger vehicles per accident is $35,000 and is defined by the following levels of
coverage:
$15,000 for injury/death to one person
$30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
$5,000 for damage to property