Section 2. Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License

Question 1

True or False

You should buckle up your seatbelt every time you drive or are in a motorized vehicle.

Answer 1

True

Seatbelts are crucial for surviving a car crash. Most deaths from car accidents involve drivers and passengers who were not wearing a seat belt. Make it a habit to always buckle up every time.

Question 2

Multiple Choice

If you do not have a driver’s license from California or another state, you must first…

A) Take the behind-the-wheel drive test
B) Pass a knowledge test
C) Apply for an instruction permit
D) Pass a vision test

Answer 2

C) Apply for an instruction permit

You must first apply for an instruction permit before taking the behind-the-wheel drive test to get your driver’s license.

Question 3

What must you provide to apply for an instruction permit or driver’s license?

Answer 3

• Proof of identity: Proving who you are.
• Two proofs of residency: Proving you live in California. Exceptions may apply.
• Legal full name document: Proving your current name if the name on your identity document and application do not match.
• Social security number: Exceptions may apply.

Question 4

To apply for a Class C instruction permit, you must…

Answer 4

1. Complete a Driver’s License & ID Card Application.
2. Provide your documents.
3. Pay a non-refundable application fee.
4. Pass your knowledge test(s).
5. Pass a vision test.

Question 5

If you are under 18 years old and applying for an instruction permit, you must also…

Answer 5

• Be at least 15 and 1/2 years old.
• Complete a driver education program.
• Have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application and accept financial responsibility.
• Wait to use your instruction permit until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor who will validate the permit.

Question 6

True or False

You can get your driver’s license before you have your instruction permit.

Answer 6

False

You must have an instruction permit before you can get a driver’s license.

Question 7

To apply for a driver’s license after you have your instruction permit, you must…

Answer 7

• Practice driving with a California-license driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors).
• Pass a behind-the-wheel drive test.

Question 8

If you are under 18 years old and applying for a driver’s license, you must also…

Answer 8

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months (or turn 18 years old) before scheduling your behind-the-wheel drive test.
• Prove that you completed both driver education and driver training.
• Practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. Ten hours must be at night.

Question 9

What is a provisional driver?

Answer 9

A driver who is under 18 years old.

Provisional driver’s licenses have minor restrictions when it comes to driving. However, there are exceptions to these restrictions.

Question 10

As a provisional driver, you cannot drive…

Answer 10

• Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months you have your license.
• With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) ride with you.
• For pay or operate vehicles that require a commerical Class A, B, or C license.

Question 11

What are the exceptions to provisional driver restrictions?

Answer 11

• Have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel. (Must carry a note signed by your physician.)
• Drive for schooling or a school activity. (Must carry a note signed by your school principal, dean, or designee.)
• Must drive for work reasons. (Must carry a note signed by your employer.)
• Must drive an immediate family member. (Must carry a note signed by your parent or legal guardian.)