Here are a few things you should know first.

How Do I Get A Provisional Permit?
You must present a Enrollment Certifacate for the
"BEHIND THE WHEEL" Training Permit - (cert #OL392)
You must: Be at least 15 1/2, but under 18 years of age.

Fill out the DMV application form (DL 44).
Signing this form means you have agreed to this statement.

"I agree to submit to a chemical test of my blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content of my blood when testing is required by a peace officer acting in accordance with Sections 23137 or 23157 VC."

If you refuse to sign this statement, the DMV will not issue your permit.

Obtain your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form.

Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence.

Only a document produced by an issuing authority, including a certified photocopy which has an impressed seal, or an original stamped impression is an acceptable birth date/legal presence document. It will be returned to you.

Have completed driver education and provide the DMV form DL 356 or OL 237, or be enrolled in driver education and driver training during the same semester and provide the DMV form DL 391 or OL 239. Your driving instructor will give you the forms to show proof of completion.

If you want a permit to drive mopeds or motorcycles, you must be at least 15 1/2 and bring proof you have finished driver training (DL 356 or OL 238).

If you are at least 17 1/2, you may obtain a permit without driver education or driver training. However, to get a license you must bring in the forms to show you have completed driver education and driver training (DL356 or OL238) or wait until you are 18.

WITHOUT DRIVER EDUCATION & DRIVER TRAINING YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A DRIVERS LICENSE BEFORE THE AGE OF 18

Provide your social security number.

Pay the required application fee which is good for 12 months. This fee entitles you to three examinations (of any type) within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license, if you qualify for both within that time period. The fee must be paid when you apply and will not be returned.

Pass an eye exam.

Give a thumb print.

Have your picture taken.

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.

The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 171/2. Be sure to pick up the Parent/Teen Training Aide (DL 603) to assist you in practicing your driver skills.

Provisional Permit Restrictions

Minors may use the provisional permit to 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.

Where Can I Take Driver Education or Driver Training?

You may take driver education (classroom training) or driver training (behind-the-wheel) in a state licensed professional driving school , public or private high school.

Professional schools and instructors in California are licensed by the DMV. Schools must carry liability insurance, be bonded, and maintain complete records for DMV inspection. Their teaching cars are subject to inspection every six months. Instructors must pass qualifying examinations every three years, or show proof of continuing education in traffic safety.

A high school may issue you a student license if you are over 15 years old and have the written consent of your parents.

A student license lets you drive only during school or professional driver training.

Licensed professional driving schools issue two types of restricted licenses. A STUDENT LICENSE to a person between 15 and up to 18 years of age and a REGULAR LICENSE (STUDENT LICENSE) to a person 18 years of age and older. A driving school restricted license only lets you drive during school or professional driver training.

Can I Drive With the Permit Outside of California?

Contact the driver licensing office in the state or country you plan to visit before you drive if you only have a California provisional permit.

MINOR'S PROVISIONAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

You must:

Be at least 16 years old.

Prove that you have finished both driver education and driver training (DMV form DL 356 or OL 238).

Have had an instruction permit for at least 6 months.

Provide a parent's signature on your instruction permit stating you have completed all the driving practice outlined in the Parent-Teen Training Aide. A minimum of 50 hours behind the wheel, 10 to be done as nighttime driving. (Certain other persons may sign.) This booklet is available at your local DMV field office.

Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test. If you fail the test, you must wait two weeks so that you can practice before you are tested again. You have three chances to pass the driving test within the time your permit is valid.

You may drive alone with your provisional license, as long as you do not cause accidents or have traffic violations. To find out what happens if you don't obey the law, see section " Actions Against The Provisional License."
When you become 18 years old, the "provisional" part of your license ends. You may keep the photo license you have which will expire on the fourth birthday after the date you applied for it or you may apply for a duplicate license without the word "provisional." Contact your local DMV for the cost of a duplicate license.