How do i get a drivers license

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California Driver Handbook. Section 6 of 28 Obtaining a Driver License. New Laws. DMV Information. Where to Write. General Information. The California Driver License.

Obtaining a Driver License. Driver License Classes. The Examination Process. Special Section - Minors. Miscellaneous Licensing Information. Occupant Protection. Traffic Control.

Laws and Rules of the Road. Safe Driving Practices. Vehicle Positioning. Sharing the Road. Special Driving Situations. Handling Emergencies. You will receive your DL via mail within weeks. All California residents need to have a valid California DL to operate a motor vehicle. Application requirements vary based on your individual situation see below. If you are over 18 years of age and you have never had a DL in any state or country, you may obtain an instruction permit until you are ready to take your driving test.

A provisional instruction permit is only for drivers under the age of An instruction permit would be issued to a person over age Once you complete the requirements of the instruction permit, you can take the driving test to get a California DL. Your application fee allows you three attempts to pass the driving test. Any Californian who can prove their current legal presence in the United States U. This includes all U. If you no longer maintain U. REAL ID compliant DLs are noncommercial or commercial licenses that also allow you to board domestic flights, enter military bases, and enter most secure federal facilities.

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Temporary visitors and foreign students applying for a Texas driver license must meet additional requirements. For more information, visit the U. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement page. For motorcycle applicants, visit our Motorcycle License page for more information on obtaining a Class M license. Some disabled veterans may qualify for a fee exemption on their driver license or ID card. A veteran designation for driver licenses is also available for qualifying veterans.

More information about these services, including qualification requirements, is available on the Veteran Services page.

Once your driver license has been issued, you will receive a temporary driver license. Before leaving the driver license office, review the printed information on your temporary driver license for accuracy. If any of the information is incorrect, notify the License and Permit Specialist. Your new card will arrive in the mail in approximately 2 — 3 weeks. To check the mailing status of your card, visit our mailing status web page. Note: If you hold an identification card, you are no longer eligible to apply for a driver license unless you surrender your identification card at the time of application.