Your California Driving Journey Starts Here: A Guide for Non‑U.S. Citizen Teens

Feeling Nervous? You're Not Alone—and We're Here to Help

Getting your driver's license in California can feel like huge step, especially if you're a non-U.S. citizen. It's normal to feel a bit anxious or unsure. This guide is created just for you—written in simple, easy-to-follow steps. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Think of this journey as more than just getting a license—it's about gaining confidence, freedom, and an essential life skill.

Understanding California's AB 60 License: Driving for All

The AB 60 license is a California-issued driver's license available to eligible residents regardless of immigration status. That means if you meet DMV requirements, you're legally allowed to drive and get insured—just like any Californian.

You might notice "Federal Limits Apply" printed on AB 60 licenses. That only means it cannot be used for federal ID purposes like flying or entering certain federal facilities. It's still fully valid for driving in California. For complete details, visit the California DMV AB 60 license pageDriver Licenses Identification Cards Assembly Bill Ab 60 Driver Licenses Portal.

Your Document Checklist: What You Need to Bring

Proving Your Identity

You can use one of these:

• Valid foreign passport

• Consular identification card

• Other DMV-approved documents

Proving California Residency (Need Two)

Examples include:

• School enrollment proof

• Bank statement

• Utility bill in your or your parent's name (with your name listed)

Special Documents for AB 60 Applicants

• Complete DL 44 application and skip asking for SSN if you don't have one

• Use AB 60 eligibility documents in place of Social Security proof

You can find the specific document requirements for your situation on the California DMV's driver license Driver Licenses Identification Cards Driver Licenses Dl Portalpages.

Application & Permit Test Essentials

• Start your application online using Form DL 44

• Study the California Driver Handbook and take practice tests

• Use DriversEd.comDriversEd.comDriversEd.com prep tools to help you succeed

You can access the official California Driver HandbookHandbook California Driver Handbook Portal and schedule your DMV appointmentAppointments Portal on the California DMV website. Understanding how to get free California drivers ed test prepTrending How Get Free California Drivers Ed Test Prep Driversed.com can help you prepare effectively for the knowledge test. Our California teen drivers ed courseCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.comCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.com is state-approved and designed to help you pass both the permit test and develop safe driving skills.

Step‑by‑Step Road to Your License

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Make sure you have your identity and residency documents ready and organized before heading to the DMV.

Step 2: Pass Your Knowledge (Permit) Test

Prepare using the Driver Handbook and practice tests until you feel confident. You must earn a qualifying score to move forward.

What's on the Los Angeles permit testTrending What Los Angeles Permit Test Driversed.com provides specific examples of questions and topics you'll encounter on the California knowledge exam.

Step 3: Complete Behind‑the‑Wheel Practice

Practice with a licensed adult and, ideally, take professional driving lessons to refine your technique and understanding of real-world traffic.

Behind-the-wheel training requirementsTrending Behind Wheel Requirements Texas Georgia And Ohio Driversed.com explains the importance of professional instruction in developing safe driving skills.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the DMV Road Test

Make an appointment online with your local DMV. Bring your learner's permit, documents, and a registered, insured vehicle. Focus on safe habits like parking, signaling, awareness, and composure.

Visit the California DMV office locatorLocations Portal to find your nearest testing location. How strict the California DMV road test isTrending How Strict California Dmv Road Test Driversed.com helps you understand what examiners look for and how to prepare effectively.

Even If You're Still Unsure…

• Even if you're completely new to driving: We start from the basics and build your skills step by step.

• Even if you feel overwhelmed by paperwork: This guide simplifies everything—just follow it.

• Even if English isn't your strongest language: DMV allows language assistance; our lessons include clear visuals and explanations.

• Even if you get nervous during tests: That's normal—practice, preparation, and calm breathing help a lot.

Tips to prepare for driving schoolTrending Tips Prepare Yourself And Your Teen Driving School Driversed.com offers additional strategies for building confidence and overcoming test anxiety.

What Happens Once You're Licensed?

Congratulations—you've earned your driver's license and the independence that comes with it! If you're under 18, remember provisional rules like no unsupervised teen passengers or nighttime driving restrictions. Stay informed and safe.

Keep practicing, focus on defensive driving, and remember: driving is a privilege and a responsibility.

California teen driving laws and restrictionsTrending Drive To School California Permit Driversed.com provide complete details about provisional license requirements for drivers under 18.

Resources and Support

• Download a Parent‑Teen Driving ContractTrending Parent Teen Driving Contract Driversed.com to establish clear expectations.

• Use DriversEd.comDriversEd.comDriversEd.com's California practice tools to boost your confidence.

• Reach out to our U.S.-based support team any day of the week if you have questions.

How online drivers ed classes workTrending How Do Online Drivers Ed Classes Work Driversed.com explains how flexible, comprehensive preparation builds confidence for new drivers from all backgrounds. California drivers ed coursesCalifornia Drivers Ed Driversed.com are specifically designed to meet state requirements while providing the support international students need.

FAQs: Driving in California as a Non‑U.S. Citizen

What is an AB 60 license and who can get it? An AB 60 license is for California residents regardless of immigration status. It allows legal driving but isn't valid for federal ID purposes.

Can I still get a license without a Social Security number? Yes. The DL 44 application includes instructions for applying without an SSN if eligible.

Do I really need to pass a written and driving test? Yes. You must pass both the permit test and the behind-the-wheel test, just like any new driver.

Can I get insured with an AB 60 license? Absolutely. AB 60 license holders qualify for car insurance under California law.

What are the rules for new teen drivers? If you're under 18, California's provisional license rules apply. These include restrictions on driving at night and passenger limits. Make sure to review all teen driving restrictionsDriver Education And Safety Educational Materials Fast Facts Provisional Licensing Ffdl 19 Portal before getting your license to avoid any violations.

Getting your license after completing drivers edTrending Taken Drivers Ed Classes How Do I Get License Driversed.com provides a complete overview of the licensing process for all new California drivers. Ready to get started? Explore our California online drivers edCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.comCalifornia Teen Drivers Ed Driversed.com to begin your journey toward safe, confident driving.