Driving a motor vehicle in California comes with specific requirements and responsibilities. As the California Vehicle Code Section 12500 specifies, California residents must possess a valid driver's license to drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless they are specifically exempted under the code.
Overseeing all matters related to driver licensing in this state is the responsibility of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This department ensures the proper issuance of new licenses, renewal of existing ones, and dealing with license suspensions or revocations.
It is vital to follow the driver licensing rules established by the California DMV. Complying with regulations helps protect public safety, avoids potential legal penalties, and allows residents to maintain their driving eligibility according to state law.
What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in California?
The California DMV issues two main categories of driver's licenses: non-commercial and commercial. These categories have various subtypes, which are thoroughly explained below and in the California Driver Handbook.
Non-Commercial Driver's Licenses
There are four subtypes of non-commercial driver's licenses in California. These include:
Basic Driver's License (Class C)
This license is for individuals who wish to operate standard vehicles or trucks for personal use on California roadways. With this license, individuals can tow certain vehicles, such as those with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 pounds, including a tow dolly.
Furthermore, holders of Class C licenses have the privilege to tow a trailer coach or fifth-wheel trailer with a GVWR below 10,000 pounds, as long as the towing is non-commercial and the vehicle itself weighs at least 4,000 pounds when empty.
If with an endorsement and the towing is non-commercial in nature, individuals are permitted to tow a fifth-wheel trailer with GVWR ranging from over 10,000 pounds to under 15,000 pounds.
Class A
Class A licenses allow individuals to operate vehicles with a GVWR of over 15,000 pounds and tow a trailer coach with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds, as long as the towing is not for commercial purposes.
Class B
This license allows individuals to drive housecars over 40 feet long but not exceeding 45 feet, provided they have obtained the necessary endorsement.
Class M1 or M2
California has two non-commercial driver's licenses designed for motorcycle riders: Class M1 and Class M2.
The Class M1 license is for individuals who wish to operate a 2-wheel motorcycle, a motor-driven cycle, or a motorized scooter. On the other hand, the Class M2 license is specifically for those wishing to operate motorized bicycles, mopeds, bicycles with an attached motor, or motorized scooters.
Note that these licenses are not standalone licenses. Instead, they are added to a non-commercial driver's license after successfully passing the law and skill tests.
Commercial Driver's Licenses
The commercial driver's licenses in California has three subtypes:
Commercial A
This license is necessary to legally operate a lawful combination of vehicles that has a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) equal to or exceeding 26,001 pounds. This condition applies as long as the GVWR of the vehicle or vehicles being towed is higher than 10,000 pounds.
Commercial B
Commercial B licenses are required to drive any vehicle whose GVWR exceeds 26,000 pounds. It also allows towing another vehicle with a GVWR that is up to 10,000 pounds.
Moreover, possession of this license permits for the legal operation of a three-axle vehicle that exceeds a weight of 6,000 pounds.
Commercial C
The Commercial C driver's license is required for individuals operating a Class C vehicle with any of the following endorsements:
- Passenger Vehicle
- Hazardous Materials
- Tank Vehicle
How To Obtain a Driver's License in California?
Individuals must first apply for an instruction permit to obtain a driver's license in California. This permit is a prerequisite for taking the behind-the-wheel drive test.
Applicants must provide proof of identity and two proofs of residency to establish that the applicant resides in California, although exceptions may apply in certain cases.
Moreover, if the name on the applicant's identity document and application do not match, a legal full name document is required to prove the applicant's current name. Finally, applicants must provide their Social Security number unless specific exceptions apply.
Applying for a California Instruction Permit
Individuals must follow a set of steps and fulfill specific requirements to apply for an instruction permit in California. These include:
- Completing a Driver's License and ID Card Application
- Providing the necessary documents
- Paying a non-refundable application fee
- Passing knowledge tests
- Passing a vision test
For applicants who are under 18 years old, these additional criteria must be met:
- Must be at least 15½ years of age
- Finish a driver education program
- Parent or guardian must sign the application and accept financial responsibility (in case of joint custody, both parties must sign)
- Instruction permit should only be used when starting behind-the-wheel driver training with a validating instructor
Visit this Instruction Permits guide on the California DMV website to access a comprehensive list of application steps and requirements.
Applying for a California Driver's License
The following requirements must be fulfilled to obtain a driver's license after acquiring an instruction permit:
- Practice driving with a California-licensed driver aged 18 years or older (25 for minors)
- Successfully pass a behind-the-wheel drive test
If under 18 years old, these further requirements must be met:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Possess an instruction permit for a minimum of 6 months before scheduling the behind-the-wheel drive test
- Provide evidence of completing both driver education and driver training
- Complete at least 50 hours of driving practice with a licensed California driver aged 25 or older, including 10 hours of nighttime driving
Exemptions and Restrictions to Minors
When an individual is under 18, their driver's license will be designated "provisional." As a provisional driver, these restrictions apply:
- Operating a vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the initial 12 months of obtaining the license
- Driving with passengers under 20 years old, unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a California-licensed driver aged 25 or older
- Engaging in driving for commercial purposes or operating vehicles that require commercial licenses
However, there are exceptions to these restrictions in certain circumstances. These exceptions include:
- Driving due to a medical necessity where alternative means of transportation are not reasonably available
- Driving for educational purposes or participation in a school activity
- Driving for employment reasons
- Driving to transport an immediate family member
In California, parents or guardians can cancel their teen's driver's license by completing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card form.
Vision, Knowledge, and Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test
When obtaining a driver's license in California, applicants must successfully pass three essential assessments: the vision test, knowledge test, and behind-the-wheel drive test.
Vision Test
The California DMV administers a comprehensive vision test to assess the visual acuity of all applicants. If an individual takes the vision test while wearing corrective lenses or contact lenses, their driver's license will bear a restriction on corrective lenses.
If the required standards during the vision test are not met, applicants will be requested to have their eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination form.
Knowledge Test
Applicants for an original driver's license must demonstrate their knowledge by successfully passing a multiple-choice knowledge test. They have up to three attempts to pass the knowledge test before reapplying.
Should minors fail the knowledge test, a waiting period of seven days, excluding the day of the failure, must be observed before retaking the test.
Behind-the-Wheel Drive Test
To validate an applicant's ability to operate a vehicle safely, an original driver's license application necessitates the completion of a behind-the-wheel drive test. During this test, the examiner may provide multiple instructions to assess the applicant's capability to comprehend and follow multiple directions accurately.
California Driver's License Fees
Obtaining a driver's license in California incurs various fees, determined by factors such as license class, application type, and other charges. For a comprehensive list of these fees, refer to the Licensing Fees page on the official California DMV website.
These fees can be paid through multiple methods, including online, over the phone, at a California DMV kiosk, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Accepted payment options include credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay digital wallets, bank accounts, cash, checks, and money orders.
How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in California?
When it comes to the renewal or replacement of a driver's license in California, individuals must adhere to distinct procedures depending on their circumstances:
Renewal of California Driver's License
The online renewal option is most suitable for those who don't need to update their address or personal information, aren't getting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID for the first time, and don't need to renew a commercial driver's license.
To start renewing a driver's license online, visit the Driver's License and ID Online Renewal page of the California DMV website.
Meanwhile, visiting a local California DMV office is best for those who prefer to renew their driver's license in person. Within the office, individuals must complete a driver's license or ID card application, present the DMV renewal notice received by mail, and ensure that any outdated information is updated.
The renewal process involves taking a thumbprint scan, a vision exam, and a new photo and paying the non-refundable application fee. Individuals may also need to pass certain knowledge tests if indicated on the renewal notice. If applying for a REAL ID, proof of identity and residency from the approved REAL ID document list must be provided.
Once all requirements are met, the DMV will issue a temporary driver's license valid for 60 days. If the driver's license card is not received within 60 days, individuals can seek further assistance from the Driver's License and ID Card Status system.
Another option is to renew a driver's license at a DMV kiosk. To renew at a kiosk, individuals must provide their full name, address on DMV records, birth date, and driver's license or identification (ID) card number.
Lastly, eligible individuals can renew their driver's license by mail. If qualified, individuals must complete the California Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form and mail it to the Department of Motor Vehicles at P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-000, along with the renewal fee payment.
Replacement of California Driver's License
If a California driver's license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, individuals can request a replacement.
To request a replacement driver's license online, applicants must complete a Replacement Driver's License Request. This method necessitates the creation of an online account if it has not been done previously. Additionally, replacement of driver's license online entails a small fee.
When requesting a replacement in person at a DMV office, applicants must complete a new DL/ID application. If opting for a REAL ID for the first time, applicants must provide proof of identity, a Social Security number, and two proofs of California residency. However, if the replacement will not be a REAL ID, no proof documents are necessary.
To complete the replacement process, visit a DMV office. During the visit, applicants must pay the appropriate replacement licensing fee, have their photograph validated by the DMV, and provide a thumbprint for identity protection. For individuals applying for a REAL ID for the first time, bring the required proof documents.
For those who prefer to use a DMV kiosk, they can locate one inside select DMV offices or retail locations during business hours. The kiosk allows applicants to manually enter their driver's license or identification card information or scan their ID card if available. After submitting the required information and making the payment, a temporary driver's license will be provided.
What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in California?
There are several reasons that can result in the suspension of a driver's license in California. These include not having insurance coverage in the event of an accident, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, underage drinking, failure to comply with drug or alcohol testing, accumulating excessive points on the driving record, etc.
Driving with a suspended license in the state carries severe consequences. The specific punishment depends on the reason for suspension. However, the potential penalties in most cases include probation for up to three years, imprisonment for up to six months, and fines of up to $1,000.
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in California, individuals must meet specific requirements. This typically involves completing the mandatory suspension period. Additionally, a re-issuance fee must be paid to the California DMV.
Proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR-22 form, may also be required. If applicable, individuals must provide proof of enrollment and completion of specific programs, such as a DUI treatment program.
Can Someone Drive in California With a Foreign License?
Individuals who possess a valid driver's license issued by a foreign country can legally drive within the state of California. It is not obligatory for them to acquire an international driving permit (IDP) or a California driver's license, provided that they are at least 18 years old and the license in their possession is lawfully issued in their country of residence.
Additionally, individuals from countries where driver's licenses are not mandatory are also allowed to drive in the state. However, they must use a foreign vehicle that they have owned for a maximum of 30 days and be at least 18 years old.
On the other hand, individuals under 18 can drive in California for up to ten days after entering the state unless they have obtained a non-resident minor's certification from the California DMV, along with proof of financial responsibility and a valid driver's license from their country of residence.
Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in California?
Foreigners can obtain a driver's license in California if they meet specific requirements.
Firstly, they must be at least 16 years of age and can provide proof of their legal presence in the U.S. This proof can be in the form of documents such as I-20 for students, I-94, or a valid passport.
Besides that, they may be required to take both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test to demonstrate their understanding of traffic rules and ability to operate a vehicle safely.
For specific guidance based on individual circumstances and to ensure that all necessary steps are followed correctly, visit a nearest California DMV office.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in California?
- How To Obtain a Driver's License in California?
- How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in California?
- What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in California?
- Can Someone Drive in California With a Foreign License?
- Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in California?