Applying for a New License

Before you apply for a new driver license, decide which one you need. California has several different license classes: Class C; Noncommercial A or B; and Motorcycle. Commercial drivers should check out our Commercial Driving section.

Class C, Older Than 18

Most people get the Class C, which covers all passenger cars, pickups, SUVs, and recreational vehicles (RVs) 40 feet long or less.

If you're a farmer or the employee of a farmer, the Class C also covers:

• Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight of 26,000 pounds or less if used exclusively for agriculture and not for hire

Getting Your Class C License

If you've never driven before or are from another country, you will have to take the traffic laws and signs test (also known as the written test) and the driving test. If you have a license from a different state, you just need to take the written exam.

To study, get your hands on a California Drivers Handbook, available in electronic form; or from your local DMV; or by calling (800) 777-0133 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

• Study the booklet and take the practice tests.

• Make an appointment to take the traffic laws exam. An appointment's not absolutely necessary for the written test, but it'll shorten your wait.

When you come in to take your test, you'll also need to:

• Pay the application fee of $28. No credit cards are accepted.

• Fill out form DL 44, which isn't available online, since the DMV only accepts its original form. Pick one up from your local DMV; or call (800) 777-0133; or simply fill it out when you come in for your license exam.

• Bring a proof of birthdate and legal residency.

• Give your Social Security number and your true full name.

• Take the written test and pass it. You have three tries; you must wait seven days between attempts.

• For those with special needs, the DMV also offers the test in different languages; in cassette form; in American Sign Language; or Person-to-Person (administered by a real live person asking the questions).

The DMV will also thumbprint you, take your picture, and give you a vision test.

Once you've provided all this information and aced the test, one of these things will happen:

• If you've never driven before, you'll get a permit. This lets you drive as long as someone 18 or older is in the car with you. When you're ready, make an appointment to take the driving test.

• If you have a license from another country, you'll get a permit and you'll make an appointment for the driving test.

• If you've moved to California from another state, you'll get your license in the mail.

The DMV won't administer the driving test without an appointment.

If you fail the driving test, you must make another appointment and return―you have three tries. The DMV charges $5 for each additional drive test.

Licenses are valid for four years.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting California, your valid foreign license is recognized and accepted. An International Driver's Permit alone is not sufficient. This document, which translates your foreign license into a more comprehensible format for U.S. officials, is a good supplement to your foreign license, but not a substitute.

If you establish residency in the U.S. but are not yet a citizen, you will need two things to apply for your California driver license or ID card:

• A birth date/legal presence (BD/LP) document

• A social security number

When entering the country with a valid passport or travel document, you are issued a BD/LP. This document indicates how long you are permitted to stay in the U.S. You can begin the process of getting your California license if your BD/LP is good for at least 30 days, but if it expires in less than 60 days, you won't get your license or ID until you provide a BD/LP valid for 60 days or more.

• If your BD/LP expires in less than five years from your application date (six years for an ID card), your license will be limited term.

• If your BD/LP expires in more than five years from your application date (again, six years for your ID card), your license will be full term.

Normal application fees apply. After you pass all the tests and meet the requirements, the DMV will mail your license or ID after the Department of Homeland Security verifies your legal status.

Non-citizens can obtain social security numbers by submitting this form to the Social Security Administration in person along with documents proving immigration status, work eligibility, age, and identity. The SSA has an automated phone system at (800) 772-1213 that can answer most inquiries.

Class C License: Younger Than 18

The process for teenage drivers to become licensed is covered in detail in our driver education article.

If you're between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18, you start with a permit, and gradually work your way up to an unrestricted license when you turn 18.

You start by taking a driver's education class and getting a learner's permit. Then you'll take behind-the-wheel training, and practice driving with someone older than 25 for at least 50 hours (10 of which are at night).

For the first year of holding your license, you can't drive with any teenagers in the car or late at night.

If you're older than 17 1/2, you can get a permit without the training certificates; you must still pass a written test, and you may not take the driving test until you're 18.

Class A & B: Large Vehicle Driving and Towing

If you tow large or heavy trailers, or have an RV that's longer than 40 feet, you should look into a noncommercial Class A or Class B license.

Noncommercial Class A License (Towing)

With a Class A noncommercial license, you may drive any vehicle covered under the basic Class C license, PLUS, you may tow the following:

• Travel trailer with a GVWR of greater than 10,000 pounds that is not used for hire

• Any fifth-wheel travel trailer weighing more than 15,000 pounds not used for hire

• Livestock trailer weighing 10,000 to 15,000 pounds operated by a farmer to transport livestock within 150 miles of the farm, not used for hire

Noncommercial Class B License (RVs and Towing)

With a noncommercial Class B California driver license, you may drive any vehicle covered under the basic Class C license, PLUS any housecar (RV or motor home) more than 40 feet but not more than 45 feet long. You may also tow a single vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, including a tow dolly if used.

Getting Your A or B Noncommercial Permit

You'll follow the same process you would for a Class C, except that you'll:

• Pay $34.

• Fill out a DL 44C form. Yes, it's noncommercial, but you still use the commercial form.

• Turn in a health questionnaire (DL 546 or DL 546A for the Class B) to verify you've got no preexisting conditions that would make driving or towing a huge vehicle dangerous. These forms may need to be filled out by your doctor, so be sure to get it done ahead of time.

• Pass a written test for your license class.

Then you'll get a permit, which lets you only drive with someone who's got the same license class. Get plenty of practice, and when you feel confident, come in for the final step.

Getting your Noncommercial A or B License

To actually get your no-holds-barred A or B license, you'll have to take a driving test. Make an appointment. Bring your big vehicle with you; they'll inspect it, you'll drive it, and they'll test your skills.

Motorcycle License

To operate a motorcycle or moped in California, you need a motorcycle license.

Everyone has to pass a motorcycle laws test, based on the Motorcycle Handbook.

After you pass the test, the DMV issues you a permit for practicing. Then, if you're older than 21, you can go ahead and either take the motorcycle driving test, or take the California Highway Patrol safety course.

If you're younger than 21, you must take the CHP's safety course. Once you pass this course, if you already have your Class C license, you don't have to take the driving test.