California Driver's License 

A California driver’s license is a card which gives a person permission to operate a motor vehicle. A driver's license includes your true full name, birthdate, mailing address, signature, photograph, and physical description. Your driver's license must be in your possession anytime you operate a motor vehicle.

Before obtaining a California Driver's License : 

1. Create a DMV online account. 

• If you have already created one, log in to your DMV online account. 

• The DMV uses two-factor authentication to prove your digital identity; it requires an email address and a way to receive a phone call or text message.

2. Have your social security number on hand, along with basic information such as:

•  name, address, and date of birth.

3. The average time to complete this application is 9 minutes. 

• For privacy and security purposes, the app times out after 15 minutes. If you cannot complete the application in one sitting, don’t worry; you may log in to your DMV account and finish it later. 

• Applications are only stored up to one year, and are only processed when you visit a DMV field office.

4. After completing the online application, you will need to visit a field office to finish the rest of the driver’s license/ID card application process.

ONLINE LEARNING/EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

• CA Driver’s Handbook

• SAMPLE TESTS  

• MORE TESTING MATERIAL 

 TESTS  

Testing  Online

If you need to take a driver’s license knowledge test online, you need to first know if you're eligible by taking the following steps: 

1. Complete the online driver’s license application (eDL44). 

2. If eligible, you will be invited to participate in the DMV Virtual Test Center.  

3. Select I want to complete my test through MVProctor. 

4. Follow the application fee payment steps. 

5. Upon successful payment, you will receive a​ Virtual Test Center Access Email  with a link to the online test and additional information. 

• If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to give permission before you can take the test.

• The online knowledge test (MVProctor) is offered in 35 languages and is available Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The test needs a webcam and cannot be done on a smartphone or tablet. 

• You will verify your identity before starting and will be monitored during the test.

If you are renewing your license and need to take the knowledge test, you can use an interactive eLearning course. This program has 7 parts with quizzes after each section. eLearning can be done on a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone and is available at any time. This is only available in English and takes about 45 minutes.