For the CA permit test, what to bring is short but strict: proof of identity, proof of California residency, your Social Security number, the application fee and, if you are under 18, your driver education certificate and a parent or guardian. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also wants your application started online at dmv.ca.gov before you arrive. Glasses or contacts matter too, because you take a vision test at the same visit.
CA permit test: what to bring, by age
| Item | Under 18 | 18 and older |
|---|---|---|
| Online application started on dmv.ca.gov | Yes, approved by a parent or guardian | Yes |
| Proof of identity | Yes | Yes |
| Proof of California residency | Yes | Yes |
| Social Security number | Yes, exceptions may apply | Yes, exceptions may apply |
| Driver education certificate | Yes | No |
| Parent or guardian at the appointment | Yes | No |
| Application fee | $46 | $46 |
| Glasses or contacts, if you wear them | Yes | Yes |
The $46 is the DMV's fee for an original Class C application on its Licensing Fees page. The DMV says the application and fee are valid for 12 months.
What to bring to the permit test in California under 18
Teens have the longest list. Based on the DMV's instruction permit page and its Teen Driver Roadmap, bring or complete:
- Driver education. Complete classroom or online driver's education first and bring the certificate. The DMV's permit page accepts a certificate of completion or enrollment, so ask your course which one you will get.
- The online application. You need your own MyDMV account, and a parent or guardian approves the application with a separate MyDMV account. If parents share joint custody, both sign.
- Your documents. After approval you schedule an appointment and upload your documents. Bring the same originals to the office.
- A parent or guardian. The Teen Driver Roadmap says a parent or guardian will need to be with you for your appointment.
- Proof of identity, proof of residency and your Social Security number.
- The application fee, glasses or contacts, and enough time. The DMV says knowledge tests are not given at offices after 4:30 p.m.
Upload the same documents you will carry in. If the paper you bring does not match the one you uploaded, expect questions at the window.
What to bring to the permit test in California as an adult
Adults 18 and older follow the same steps without the driver education certificate and parent approval. Start the online application, book an office appointment (the DMV recommends one), and bring:
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of California residency.
- A legal full name document if the name on your identity document does not match your application.
- Your Social Security number, unless an exception applies.
- The $46 application fee.
- Glasses or contacts for the vision test.
Which documents count?
The DMV's handbook asks for proof of identity and two proofs of residency, with exceptions. The exact list depends on the card you want: a REAL ID, a federal noncompliant card, or an AB 60 license. Use the document list on the DMV's instruction permit page and pick documents for your card type before you upload.
At the office
Expect four things: you show your documents and pay the fee, take a vision exam, have your photo taken, and take the written knowledge test. The test is multiple choice, based on the California Driver's Handbook, and the passing score is 80%. The handbook says you may not use testing aids such as the handbook or a cell phone, so leave your phone in your bag.
Can you test online instead?
The DMV announced in 2023 that applicants under 18 can take the knowledge test online on a computer or laptop with a webcam, with parent or guardian consent. You get two online attempts, and a third must be at an office. You still visit the DMV for documents, the vision exam and your photo.
FAQ
What do I need to bring to the CA permit test?
Proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, the $46 application fee and glasses if you need them. Under 18, add your driver education certificate and a parent or guardian.
What to bring to the permit test in California under 18?
Your driver education certificate, the documents you uploaded, a parent or guardian who approved your online application, and the fee.
Does a parent have to come to the California permit test?
Yes, if you are under 18. The DMV's Teen Driver Roadmap says a parent or guardian will need to be with you for your appointment.
What time should I arrive for the California permit test?
Early. The DMV does not give knowledge tests at offices after 4:30 p.m.
How much is the California permit test?
The DMV lists $46 for an original Class C application. The application and fee are valid for 12 months.
