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CA · STUDY GUIDE

Instruction Permits & Provisional Licensing

Permit requirements, supervised practice, provisional passenger and nighttime restrictions, and road-test rules. All 35 questions below cite the CA Driver's Manual section they come from.

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1 · GETTING LICENSED

To apply for an instruction permit in California, a minor must be at least:

  • ✓ 15 1/2 years old
  • · 15 years old
  • · 16 years old
  • · 14 years old

Under 18, you must be at least 15 1/2, complete a driver education program, and have a parent or guardian sign the application accepting financial responsibility.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Applying for an Instruction Permit, p. 3

2 · GETTING LICENSED

Before scheduling the behind-the-wheel test, a minor must have held an instruction permit for at least:

  • ✓ 6 months (or turned 18)
  • · 30 days
  • · 3 months
  • · One year

Minors need the permit from California or another state for at least 6 months — or to turn 18 — before the drive test, plus completed driver education and training.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Applying for a Driver's License, p. 3

3 · GETTING LICENSED

A minor's supervised practice requirement is:

  • ✓ 50 hours, at least 10 of them at night
  • · 20 hours, all daytime
  • · 100 hours, 30 at night
  • · There is no hour requirement

At least 50 hours of practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old — and 10 of those hours must be at night.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Applying for a Driver's License, p. 3

4 · GETTING LICENSED

When a minor with a permit practices driving, the accompanying licensed driver must be at least:

  • ✓ 25 years old
  • · 18 years old
  • · 21 years old
  • · 30 years old

Permit holders must practice with a California-licensed driver — 18 or older for adult permit holders, but at least 25 for minors — seated close enough to take control.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Applying for a Driver's License, p. 3

5 · PROVISIONAL LICENSE

During the first 12 months of a provisional license, a minor may NOT drive:

  • ✓ Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • · Between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • · On freeways
  • · Outside their home county

Provisional drivers can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first year, with exceptions (signed notes for medical, school, work, or family need) or when a licensed driver 25+ rides along.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Minor's Restrictions, p. 4

6 · PROVISIONAL LICENSE

For the first 12 months, a provisional driver may not carry:

  • ✓ Passengers under 20, unless a licensed driver 25 or older is in the car
  • · Any passengers at all
  • · More than one passenger of any age
  • · Passengers after 6 p.m.

No passengers under 20 years old during the first year unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other California-licensed driver at least 25 years old (or a qualifying exception applies).

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Minor's Restrictions, p. 4

7 · TESTING PROCESS

How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before reapplying?

  • ✓ Three
  • · One
  • · Two
  • · Unlimited

You're allowed three attempts. Minors who fail must also wait seven days (not counting the failure day) before retaking it.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Knowledge Test, p. 5

8 · TESTING PROCESS

A minor who fails the knowledge test must wait how long to retake it?

  • ✓ Seven days
  • · One day
  • · 30 days
  • · There is no wait

Seven days, not including the day of the failure. For a failed behind-the-wheel test, the wait is 14 days.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Knowledge Test, p. 5

9 · TESTING PROCESS

During the knowledge test, using a cell phone or the handbook is:

  • ✓ Not allowed — no testing aids of any kind
  • · Allowed for one question
  • · Allowed with permission
  • · Allowed for translations only

No testing aids are allowed during knowledge tests — that includes the California Driver's Handbook and your phone.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Knowledge Test, p. 5

10 · TESTING PROCESS

Your drive-test vehicle will be rejected if:

  • ✓ It has a "donut" spare tire in use
  • · It is older than 15 years
  • · It has an automatic transmission
  • · It has only two mirrors

Donut tires aren't allowed on the drive test. Tires need at least 1/32-inch tread, both brake lights must work, and the examiner needs a clear windshield view — otherwise the test is rescheduled.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

11 · PROVISIONAL LICENSE

A provisional driver with TWO at-fault collisions or convictions within 12 months:

  • ✓ Cannot drive for 30 days unless accompanied by a licensed adult 25 or older
  • · Gets a warning letter only
  • · Loses the license for five years
  • · Pays a fine but keeps driving

One incident brings a warning; two means 30 days of driving only with a licensed adult 25+; three suspends you for six months with a year of probation.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 7 · Maintaining Your Minor's License, p. 55

12 · GETTING LICENSED

For a minor's permit application, a parent or guardian must:

  • ✓ Sign the application and accept financial responsibility — both must sign if they share custody
  • · Only provide a birth certificate
  • · Attend the knowledge test
  • · Co-drive the road test

A parent or guardian signs to approve the application and accepts financial responsibility; parents with joint custody must both sign.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Under 18 Requirements, p. 3

13 · GETTING LICENSED

A minor's new instruction permit is not valid until:

  • ✓ Behind-the-wheel training starts and an instructor validates the permit
  • · It's laminated
  • · 30 days pass
  • · The DMV mails a confirmation

Minors must wait to use the permit until they begin behind-the-wheel training with an instructor, who validates it.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Under 18 Requirements, p. 3

14 · GETTING LICENSED

An ADULT permit holder practicing driving must be accompanied by a California-licensed driver at least:

  • ✓ 18 years old
  • · 25 years old
  • · 21 years old
  • · 16 years old

Adults practice with a licensed driver 18 or older; minors need someone 25 or older. Either way, the supervisor sits close enough to take control if needed.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Applying for a Driver's License, p. 3

15 · GETTING LICENSED

If you pass the DMV vision test wearing glasses or contacts:

  • ✓ Your license carries a corrective lenses restriction
  • · Nothing changes
  • · You must retest yearly
  • · You may only drive by day

Testing with corrective or contact lenses adds a corrective lenses restriction. Failing the vision test means an eye doctor completes a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Vision Test, p. 5

16 · TESTING PROCESS

A minor who fails the behind-the-wheel drive test must wait ___ before retaking it:

  • ✓ 14 days
  • · 7 days
  • · 30 days
  • · No wait

14 days, not counting the day of the failure — double the 7-day wait for a failed knowledge test.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

17 · TESTING PROCESS

In the pre-drive check, your horn must be:

  • ✓ Designed for the vehicle, working, and audible from at least 200 feet
  • · Musical
  • · Louder than 100 decibels
  • · Mounted on the wheel

The examiner verifies a proper working horn loud enough to be heard from 200 feet — one of the many pre-drive checklist items.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

18 · TESTING PROCESS

When the foot brake is fully depressed, there must be at least ___ between the pedal and floorboard:

  • ✓ One inch
  • · Three inches
  • · Half an inch
  • · No requirement

One inch of clearance under the depressed pedal — along with working right and left brake lights.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

19 · TESTING PROCESS

The drive-test vehicle must have at least ___ rearview mirrors:

  • ✓ Two — one of them on the left side
  • · One, anywhere
  • · Three, including both sides
  • · Two, both inside

At least two rearview mirrors, one mounted on the vehicle's left side. The driver's window must also roll down and the windshield must give a full, unblocked view.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

20 · TESTING PROCESS

Using a video or audio recording device during your drive test is:

  • ✓ Prohibited — devices must be off, disabled, or blocked
  • · Encouraged for review
  • · Allowed with examiner permission
  • · Required by some offices

Recording is prohibited during the drive test. If a device can't be powered off, it must be blocked so there's no visual or audio recording.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 7

21 · TESTING PROCESS

During the drive test, automated parallel parking and lane-departure systems are:

  • ✓ Not permitted — the test evaluates YOUR abilities, not the vehicle's
  • · Required if installed
  • · Allowed for parking only
  • · Allowed on freeways

ADAS features like automated parking and adaptive cruise stay off. Backup cameras and blind spot monitors may be used but never replace actually checking your mirrors and blind spots.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Other Things to Know, p. 7

22 · TESTING PROCESS

Taking your drive test in a rental car is allowed only if:

  • ✓ Your name is on the rental contract and it doesn't exclude drive tests
  • · The rental company owns a DMV license
  • · It's never allowed
  • · You rent for at least a week

Rentals work when you're listed on the contract and the contract doesn't exclude behind-the-wheel tests. You also bring valid proof of insurance and registration.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

23 · LICENSES AND IDS

After moving, you must notify DMV of your new address within:

  • ✓ Ten days
  • · 30 days
  • · One year
  • · Only at renewal

Ten days — online or by mail. You don't automatically get a new license card; you may request a replacement for a fee.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 4 · Change Your Address, p. 8

24 · LICENSES AND IDS

Driving with an expired license is:

  • ✓ Against the law — renew before it expires
  • · Fine for 30 days past expiration
  • · Legal with proof of renewal application
  • · A parking-level offense

It is illegal to drive with an expired license. Out of state and unable to renew? You can request a one-year extension before it expires.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 4 · Replace or Renew, p. 8

25 · GETTING LICENSED

California driving school instructors must:

  • ✓ Carry an instructor's ID card — ask to see it
  • · Be former police officers
  • · Own the training vehicle
  • · Be at least 40 years old

Driver education and training come from DMV-licensed schools and some high schools; instructors carry an ID card you're entitled to see.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 2 · Driving Schools, p. 3

26 · TESTING PROCESS

For the drive test, the driver's side window must:

  • ✓ Roll down
  • · Be tinted
  • · Stay closed
  • · Have a sun shade

The driver's window must open — you'll use it for arm signals. The windshield must give a full, unblocked view; cracks can postpone the test.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

27 · TESTING PROCESS

Drive-test vehicle tires need at least ___ of uniform tread:

  • ✓ 1/32 inch
  • · 2/32 inch
  • · 1/4 inch
  • · No minimum

1/32-inch uniform tread depth — and no donut spares during a drive test.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6

28 · TESTING PROCESS

During the actual drive test, an interpreter:

  • ✓ May help during the pre-drive inspection but may NOT ride along during the test
  • · Rides in the back seat
  • · Translates from the passenger seat
  • · Follows in another car

Interpreters can assist with identification and vehicle controls beforehand, but only the examiner accompanies you on the drive (training, service animals, and certain law-enforcement situations excepted).

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 7

29 · TESTING PROCESS

During the drive test, the examiner may give you:

  • ✓ Two or more instructions at once — like "at the next street turn left, then take the first right"
  • · Only one instruction at a time
  • · Written directions
  • · A map to follow

Multi-step instructions test whether you can understand and follow directions while driving — listen fully before acting.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 5

30 · TESTING PROCESS

When RENEWING a license, instead of the knowledge test you may be offered:

  • ✓ An eLearning course — a no-fail, self-paced interactive option with quizzes
  • · A phone interview
  • · An essay exam
  • · Nothing; renewal always requires the full test

The eLearning renewal alternative is interactive and no-fail, taken on a computer, tablet, or phone.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Knowledge Test, p. 5

31 · LICENSES AND IDS

Since May 2025, boarding a domestic flight with your license requires it to be:

  • ✓ REAL ID compliant (or use a passport instead)
  • · Laminated
  • · Under two years old
  • · Signed on the back

REAL ID is required for domestic flights, military bases, and most federal facilities — a standard license still drives fine but won't fly.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 1 · REAL ID, p. 1

32 · LICENSES AND IDS

California driver's licenses are available to:

  • ✓ All residents regardless of immigration status
  • · Citizens only
  • · Green card holders only
  • · Workers with visas only

California offers licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status — everyone on the road tested and insured is the goal.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 1 · Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Residents, p. 1

33 · LICENSES AND IDS

A California ID card:

  • ✓ Identifies you but does NOT permit you to drive
  • · Works as a license for a year
  • · Allows daytime driving
  • · Is only for seniors

ID cards are identification only, available to eligible people of any age — reduced-fee and no-fee versions exist.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 1 · ID Cards, p. 1

34 · LICENSES AND IDS

Most California drivers of passenger vehicles need a:

  • ✓ Noncommercial Class C license
  • · Class A license
  • · Class M license
  • · Chauffeur certificate

Class C covers most passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles require their own classes.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 1 · The California Driver's License, p. 1

35 · TESTING PROCESS

If your vehicle doesn't meet the drive-test requirements:

  • ✓ Your test is rescheduled
  • · You test in a DMV car
  • · You take a written test instead
  • · You pass automatically

Fail the vehicle check — brake lights, mirrors, horn, tires, seat belts — and the test gets rescheduled. Check everything the day before.

📖 CA Manual · Sec. 3 · Behind-the-Wheel Test, p. 6
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Sample content — verify against the current CA Driver's Manual before relying on it.