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Steps to Getting Your License

Use this guide to make sure you are in the right place in your licensing journey.

Student type

Step 1

Pass Drivers Ed Course

If you are between 15 and 17½ years old, you must pass a state-approved Drivers Ed course and receive your completion certificate before taking your written test at the DMV.

Start Course

Step 2

Practice for Written Test

You are here

Once you have your completion certificate, it is time to practice! Take our practice test questions to ace your exam on the first try!

Step 3

Pass Written Test at DMV

Ready to go? Make a reservation at the DMV and go pass your test! Once you pass, you will receive your permit.

Make Appointment

Step 4

Take Driving Lessons

Book now to get the times you want. You'll need your permit at every lesson.

Book Lessons

Step 5

Pass your Road Test

After completing your driving lessons, you can take your road test. Make a reservation at the DMV and go pass your test to receive your license.

Make Appointment

Need more licensing details? Visit our help article.

Free 2026 California DMV Practice Test

Unlimited tests. 100% Free.

Take free DMV permit practice tests with questions organized by topic. Retry as often as needed and prepare for your written knowledge test.

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California permit test requirements

California currently requires an 80% score on the Class C permit knowledge test. You have three attempts to pass. The California DMV Teen Driver Roadmap says minors must wait eight days before retesting after a failed attempt. Review the current DMV requirements before your appointment.

Study the California Driver's Handbook, then use the official sample questions and Coastline's practice tests to find the topics you need to review. Our guides explain the passing score and retest rules and what to bring to your permit appointment.

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I wish I could give more stars. He was on time, very professional, yet with a wonderful sense of humor which made my learning alot fun and easy.

Philomena, Oakland

As a mom, I am thrilled that my son is working with a qualified instructor that is teaching him to be a safe confident driver.

Catherine, Los Gatos

Very patient and easy to understand. Made my driving experience much easier and less scary knowing I had an amazing teacher to guide me.

Hailey, Morgan Hill

My instructor was so easy to drive with and he made me feel so safe and capable!

Jahanavi, San Francisco

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Over 250,000 Students Have Chosen Coastline Academy As Their Driving School

See why 98% of students across the country rate their driving lesson with us 5-stars.

Certified driving instructors

Every instructor is certified and licensed and has completed an intensive training course

Cutting-edge technology

Online booking, secure payments and digital lesson reports—we leverage the latest tech to provide an experience you will love

Free pickup and dropoff in most states

We come to your house, school or work—and can even drop you off at a convenient location within 5-10 minutes of your pickup address, or meet in convenient public locations

Customers first

Our instructors don't run errands during your driving lessons—your time behind the wheel is your time

Customized lesson plans

Our driving lessons aren't for everyone, they're for you—our instructors customize every lesson to your precise needs

Transparent availability

Our online booking system shows you all available time slots, so you can book packages knowing when we're available

Driving Test coaching

We teach you the skills you need to be a great driver, and also prepare you for your road test, so you can test with confidence

Dedicated support team

Our highly trained customer support staff can answer any question—from scheduling help to the licensing process, we're here for you

How Can we Help?

Our customer service team is available from 7am to 8pm Pacific Time, 7 days a week.