Refugee Info: Driver Licenses for Youth

Driver License for Youth (for adults, click here)

To get a Provisional Permit a minor must:

Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age
Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
Complete the application form DL 44
Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Provide your social security number.
Verify your birth date and legal presence
Provide your true full name
Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes
Pay the $25 application fee
Pass a vision exam
Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Additional Information:

If you are over 17 ½ but under 18 years of age, you may get your permit without the driver education and driver training certificates however, you will not be able to take the driving test until you turn 18.
Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional permit.
A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in a position close enough to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.
Before being eligible to take your driving test you must:
- Be 16 years old
- Have held your permit for a minimum of six months
- Have completed driver education
- Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
- Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
- You will be asked to show that you are properly insured before the driving test begins or the driving test will be postponed.
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.
If you fail your driving test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.

Addresses of San Diego DMV Offices:

San Diego Office:
3960 Normal St., San Diego, 92103
(800) 777-0133

San Diego Clairemont Office:
4375 Derrick Dr., San Diego, 92117
(800) 777-0133

El Cajon Office:
1450 Graves Ave., El Cajon, 92021
(800) 777-0133

Chula Vista Office
30 N. Glover Ave., Chula Vista, 91910
(800) 777-0133

Links:

For more information about getting a Driver License in California, visit the DMV website.

Fact Sheets:

English