I Have My Learner's Permit, What Do I Have To Do Now?

New drivers in California may be thinking, after you get your permit, what next steps do I have to take? The California DMV is very strict and specific with what happens after you get your permit, so we break it down for you below.

After Learner’s Permit, What Next - Under 18

For drivers under the age of 18, you must follow a strict and specific set of rules in order to get your driver's license. Here's a 10-step guide of what to do once you have that permit in your hand.

1 - Sign It

First things first, sign your learner’s permit. There's a space on the first page at the bottom for you to sign your name.

2 - Take A Driving Lesson

Before driving with a parent or other adult, you must take a two-hour driving lesson with a certified driving instructor, which Coastline Academy offers. At the end of this first lesson, your instructor will sign your permit, and then you are free to drive with someone 25 or older, who holds a current, valid California driver's license.

3 - Practice Your Driving

Between your first and second lesson, you should get some practice time behind the wheel. You should aim to practice for 5 to 10 hours.

4 - Schedule Your Driving Test

Now may also be a good time to schedule your driving test. You must wait six months from the time you get your permit to when you take your test, but it's never too early to book your test, as the DMV is often backed up weeks or even months with reservations.

5 - Take Another Driving Lesson

California requires you to take six hours of professional driving instruction. Since you've already completed two hours, you need to take two more, two-hour lessons to fulfill the requirement. We usually recommend you take your second lesson a couple weeks after your first, and then…

6 - Even More Driving Practice

Practice, practice, practice. New drivers are required to practice for 50 hours with an adult, including 10 hours at night. The more you practice, the more useful your driving lessons will be.

7 - Take The Third Driving Lesson

A few weeks before your driving test, take your third lesson. In this lesson, we at Coastline teach you advanced driving skills and get you ready for your test.

8 - Completion Certificate

At the end of your third lesson, your instructor will issue you a completion certificate, which you will take with you to the DMV for your driving test.

9 - Completing The 50 Hours Of Driving Practice

Once you've completed your 50 hours of practice, your parent or guardian should then sign the second page of your certificate in the space provided.

10 - The Driving Test

Take and pass your driving test at the DMV office! Once you have passed, the instructor permit is no more and you're now a California driver's license holder. Congratulations!

What Do I Do After I Get My Permit - Over 18

If you are over the age of 18, you may begin practicing with a California licensed driver right away! You may only drive with a California licensed driver over the age of 18.

You are required to hold your learners permit for a minimum of 24 hours before applying to take a behind-the-wheel drive test. Once you feel confident and ready to get your license, you may make your behind-the-wheel test appointment. The DMV only accepts road tests by appointment. You may schedule your appointment by visiting dmv.ca.gov.

The DMV requires you to bring a vehicle and proof of financial responsibility (insurance) in order to proceed with road testing. If you do not have a vehicle to use, Coastline Academy may help!

We provide a road test service allowing students to use our vehicle at the DMV. The road test service includes one hour of preparation before the test. The accompanying instructor will be by your side the entire way and guide you through the DMV process. Please click here for more information.

After Learner’s Permit, What Next - Driving Lessons Recommended

We recommend new drivers of all ages to take part in driving lessons. Learning to drive is an important chapter in someone's life and we are here to help!

Ready to get started? Book your driving lesson today. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff.

For more information on DMV licensing requirements, please see CA Vehicle Code - Drivers' Licenses [12500 - 15326].