1. How to apply for a Provisional Instruction Permit in California
A License to Learn to Drive

2. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age

3. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
Visit a DMV office
(make an appointment online for faster service)

4. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
Complete and submit an original application form DL 44
(Only an original DL 44 form will be accepted. Copies made by xeroxing, faxing, or other methods will not be accepted.)

5. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
Provide your social security number on the DL 44. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
Have both of your parents' or guardians' signatures on the DL 44 application form

6. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy. If you are not a US-born citizen, you must provide proof that you are a legal US resident.
Provide your full legal name

7. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
If you are between 15 ½ and 17 ½ years of age, you will need to provide proof that you:
Completed driver education (Form DL 387 or OL 237) and are taking driver training (DL 392 or OL 392) or
Completed driver education and driver training (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238).
NOTE: If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a Secondary Schools DL 33 form completed by the out-of state school, or a letter on the out-of state school's stationery signed by a school official stating that the courses are equivalent to California's requirements. Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable proof

8. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
Pay the application fee of $27.00
(This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)

9. To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California you must…
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. You must get at least 39 questions right out of 46. You will have three chances to take the test, but you must wait 7 days before taking the test again. If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new DL 44.