The Fastest Way to Get a California Drivers License

Getting behind the wheel in California is exciting, but it doesn't happen overnight. First, you must take special classes, gather documents, and ace tests. It's a lengthy process that makes you a better and safer driver. However, you can speed things up. In this article, we'll explore a handful of things you can do to get a California driver's license quickly. Let's jump in.

5 Steps to Get a California Driver's License Fast

Out-of-state licensed drivers can get a same-day driver's license in CaliforniaTrending Can I Get Same Day License California Driversed.com. Everyone else, though, has to go through extra steps. Here's how you can fast-track a learner's permitCalifornia Drivers Ed How To Get Learners Permit Driversed.com or provisional licenseCalifornia Drivers Ed Provisional License Restrictions Driversed.com in the Golden State.

1. Take Online Classes

If you're under 18, you must take driver's education classes. You have two options: go to a school in person or enroll in an online program. Each has its pros and cons, but online classesCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.comCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.com are hands-down the fastest way to get your California license.

Why? It's simple: you can learn whenever you want, at your own pace, and from home. You'll have 24/7 access to your coursework, so if you're a night owl who likes to study at 2 a.m., you can do that with ease. You don't have to try and fit in-person scheduled sessions into your busy life.

Typically, students complete all modules in 30 hours, but if you're a fast learner with lots of free time, you could finish even sooner.

2. Have Your Documents in Order

The next step is applying for a permit, but you can't just walk into the DMV. If you don't have all your documents in order, you'll just waste time. Before heading there, remember to take:

• Your Certificate of Completion of Driver Education

• A California Driver's License ApplicationDriver Licenses Identification Cards Dl Id Online App Edl 44 Portal, filled out and signed by a parent or guardian

• One proof of identity, like a passport or birth certificate

• One proof of California residence, like school transcripts

Now you're ready to go to the DMV. To skip the long lines, schedule an appointmentAppointments Select Appointment Type Portal in advance.

3. Ace the Permit Test on the First Try

Once you're at the DMV, you'll also have to take a written test. Failing it isn't the end of the world, since you can repeat it a week laterDriver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Provisional Licensing Ffdl 19 Portal. If you want to get your California learner's permit fast, however, aim for a passing gradeCalifornia Drivers Ed Dmv Written Test Driversed.com on your first try. That's easier than you may think. You just need to prepare yourself for the big day:

1. Study the California Driver HandbookCalifornia Drivers Ed Guide To Driver Handbook Driversed.com

2. Practice identifying traffic signs and road rules in the car with an adult

3. Quiz yourself with commonly missed questionsTrending Commonly Missed Questions Teen Driving Permit Exams Driversed.com

4. Take practice written tests onlineCalifornia Practice Permit Test Driversed.com (these are free and unlimited with our online course)

5. Rest and eat a nourishing meal before the test

Those tips should help you feel more confident. As soon as you ace your written test, you'll get your learner's permit.

4. Stick to a Driving Practice Schedule

Teens with permits can finally get behind the wheel in California — but only with a licensed adult by their side. They have to teach you all the important California driving skills California Drivers Ed How To Pass Driving Test Driversed.comfor at least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night.

If your parents or guardians don't have a lot of free time, fulfilling those requirements can be tricky. Fortunately, coming up with a driving lesson schedule helps you stay on track. For example, you could all agree to drive 30 minutes each day. It doesn't sound like much, but it quickly adds up! After one week of lessons, you'll already have 3.5 hours of driving under your belt.

5. Get Ready for the Road Exam

You're almost ready to take the road exam! You just need to gather some documents first:

• Your instruction permit, issued at least 6 months prior

• Proof you completed 50 hours of training, signed by a licensed adult

• Proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle you will drive during the exam

Have everything you need? Great! Now you can schedule your road skills test. Being nervous is normal, but practice helps you avoid the most common driving test mistakesTrending How Pass Your Driving Test First Time Avoiding Common Mistakes Driversed.com.

How Long Does It Take to Get a California Driver's License?

The fastest you can get a California driver's license is seven months. If everything runs smoothly, you can complete driver's ed in a month and then hold a learner's permit for six months, which is the minimum required by California law.

Keep in mind that that's only an estimate. Often, teens wait a year or more to get their full driver's license. For example, in-person driver's ed classes can drag on for several months if the school doesn't have a convenient schedule. The DMV can also cause delays when you're trying to book your written and skills tests — especially in large California cities. 

Fast-Track Your California Driver's License Today

Ready to hit the road? The first step is signing up for an online California driver's ed courseCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.comCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.com. It's the fastest way to get a California driver's license! You can set your own learning pace, get access to interactive lessons, and take practice permit tests for free. You'll be all set to go off on your own in no time.