To apply for a provisional permit, you will need the following:

•  Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age.
•  Make an appointment before visiting a DMV office .
•  Complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44). An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.
•  Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44.
•  Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
•  Verify your birth date and legal presence (you may use your California driver license). If your current name no longer matches the name on your BP/LP document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.
•  Present your acceptable residency documents if you have never had a California driver license or California identification card.
•  Submit the proper form(s) for driver education and/or driver training classes (See below for details.)
•  Give a fingerprint.
•  Pay the application fee. (This fee entitles you to three tests of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
•  Pass a vision exam.
•  Give your fingerprint again, provide your signature (that will appear on the driver license), and have your picture taken.
•  Pass a knowledge test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 38 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.