For many teens, there is nothing more exciting than getting your driver’s license. It gives you automatic freedom and independence. It opens the door to more opportunities, from hanging out with friends to gaining responsibility and managing time on your own. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, with the right preparation, getting a license is both achievable and exciting.

   According to The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), “If you are at least fifteen and one half years old but under eighteen, you will need to apply for an instruction permit before you can hit the road. After passing the permit test, you must have your learning permit for at least six months before you can take the Behind the Wheel Test” (dmv.ca.gov). In other words, teens can start driving pretty young, but with restrictions at first. The permit allows new drivers to practice before the behind the wheel test.

   Because of the six-month waiting period in between getting your permit and taking your Behind the Wheel Test, starting early is key. Junior Riley Conklin, who has had her license for around three months, advised, “Try to get your license as soon as possible and don’t wait.” This will save you from having to wait before taking your permit test and not even realizing, until you are far behind other teens.

   In order to get your permit, the DMV also explains, “Pay the non-refundable application fee. Give a fingerprint scan. Take a vision exam. Have your photograph taken” (dmv.ca.gov). While all of this may sound intimidating, these steps ensure that people are properly identified during the licensing process.

   There are also specific requirements before the permit is issued. The DMV states that, “In order to get the permit you take the knowledge test, there is a $45 fee to take it and you must bring or complete a list of items to the DMV on the day of your test. These items include documents proving your identity and residency in California and a certificate from your completed and passed driver education course. You must have a Driver License or ID Card application complete as well” (dmv.ca.gov). The paperwork ensures that only eligible people are applying and that teens understand the proper rules of the road.

   Preparing for the permit test can include a couple of tricks. First, the most obvious, would be completing a Drivers Education class and passing it. Another helpful trick recommended by Conklin: “Get the DMV Practice Test 2025 app, and to be more specific, the one with the green logo with a car on it.” This app has numerous practice questions that look a lot like the ones you will see on the real test.

   After six months of supervised driving, and three driving lessons with an instructor, teens are finally ready to take the Behind-the-Wheel test. And don’t forget to ask your instructor to take you on the route that the Behind the Wheel test administrator will take you on.  Junior Audrey Forde who is close to getting her license said, “To prepare for my driving test, I’m driving around as much as possible with my parents.” Practicing in real traffic situations is one of the best ways to get comfortable.

   “The process of getting my license was pretty easy. I just had to study for my permit,” said Conklin. Teens shouldn’t be scared or worried about getting their license. It is not considered a hard test or process. It should be looked at as an opportunity to develop independence.