Be at least 15 1/2, but under 18 years of age.

Complete the application requirements.

Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the DL 44. Signing this form means you agree to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood when required by a peace officer.

Pass a traffic laws and road signs test. If you fail the test, you must wait one week before taking it again. This will give you time to study.

If you are between 15 1/2 and 17 1/2, provide proof that you have met one of the following requirements:

-completed driver education (DE OL 237) and driver training (DT OL 238)

Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.

Provide your true full name.

Provide your social security number.

Pay the required $27 application fee. This fee is good for 12 months and allows you to take the appropriate law test(s) three times, if needed, within the 12-month period. This fee pays for both the instruction permit and driver license.

The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel training with an instructor or reach age 17 1/2.

Have your picture taken.

Pass an eye exam.

Give a thumb print.

You must have your permit for a minimum of 6 months before you apply for a license.

You must practice with a parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license. The person must be close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time. A provisional permit does not let you drive alone -not even to a DMV office to take a driving test.

If you have a permit that allows you to drive an M1 or M2 vehicle, you cannot carry passengers and you must ride during daylight hours only, and not on the freeway.