All ExamsCalifornia Driver's LicenseGetting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License

Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License — California Driver's License Practice Test

Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's LicenseQuestion 1 of 30

32 questions in this topic · 30 drawn at random this round

During the first 12 months, what passenger restriction applies to a provisional license holder under 18?

CA Driver Handbook

All questions are based on the official California Driver Handbook. Study the relevant section to reinforce your knowledge.

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This California Driver's License Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License practice set has 32 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 83% on the real California Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This chapter walks through the actual paperwork and steps for getting an instruction permit and, later, a full driver's license — proving who you are, proving you live in California, and (with some exceptions) providing a Social Security number. From there, permit applicants complete an application, pass a knowledge test, and pass a vision test.

The most-tested material is the extra layer of rules for applicants under 18: a minimum age for the permit, a required driver education course, a parent or guardian's signature, and a required holding period with the permit — including supervised practice hours, some of which must happen after dark — before scheduling the behind-the-wheel test.

A frequent mistake is treating the permit and full license as the same milestone: the permit comes first and has its own waiting period and supervision requirements, and only after those are satisfied (plus completing driver education and training) can a minor test for the full license. Also don't forget the provisional license restrictions that kick in for the first year after a minor is licensed — limits on late-night driving and on carrying young passengers unless a qualifying adult rides along.

Can I start driving alone as soon as I get my instruction permit?

No — a permit only lets you practice with a supervising licensed driver in the car; you can't drive alone until you pass the behind-the-wheel test for a full license.

What's different for drivers under 18?

Minors face extra steps — a minimum age, driver education and training, a required holding period on the permit, supervised practice hours, and provisional restrictions after licensing.

Written from the official California Driver Handbook — Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

What must an applicant provide to apply for an instruction permit or driver's license?
- Proof of identity — Correct answer
- A letter from an employer
- A vehicle registration
- A school transcript
Explanation: To apply for an instruction permit or driver's license, an applicant must provide proof of identity.
Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License — Proof of Identity
How many proofs of California residency must an applicant generally provide?
- Two — Correct answer
- One
- Three
- None
Explanation: An applicant must provide two proofs of California residency, though exceptions may apply.
Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License — Proof of Residency
What must an applicant provide if the names on their documents do not match?
- A document showing their legal full name — Correct answer
- A second photo
- A witness statement
- Nothing further is needed
Explanation: If the names on an applicant's documents do not match, they must provide a document showing their legal full name.
Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License — Name Discrepancies