A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
If you have never held a driver's license from California or another state, your first step is an instruction permit. It lets you practice with a supervising driver before your behind-the-wheel drive test.
To apply for a permit or license, you must provide:
Proof of identity (proving who you are)
Two proofs of residency (proving you live in California); exceptions may apply
A legal full name document, if your identity document and application names do not match
You are 15 years and 8 months old, finished driver education, and your divorced parents share joint custody. Both parents must sign your application. After you get the permit, you still cannot drive with it until your first behind-the-wheel lesson, when the instructor validates it.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What must you apply for before taking the behind-the-wheel drive test if you have no license from any state?
A provisional license
An ID card
An instruction permit
A driver education certificate
Answer: An instruction permit
If you don't already have a license from California or another state, you must first get an instruction permit.
Which document is generally NOT required to apply for an instruction permit?
Proof of identity
Two proofs of residency
A social security number (with exceptions)
Proof of auto insurance
Answer: Proof of auto insurance
A permit application requires proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and a social security number (exceptions may apply); proof of insurance is not listed.