I think this covers it:
ADULTS' PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
If you are 18 years old, meet the application requirements, and pass the tests, you may be issued a California driver license. There is no upper age limit.
If you want to obtain professional driver education and driver training, see here for more information.
You must have an instruction permit while learning to drive. Your accompanying driver must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid California driver license. The person must be with you in the vehicle, close enough to take control of it at any time. An instruction permit does not permit to you drive alone not even to a DMV office to take the driving test.
If you have an M1 or M2 permit, you cannot carry passengers, you must ride during daylight hours only, and you cannot ride on the freeway.
To get a permit, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Complete the application requirements.
Pass a traffic laws and road signs test.
ADULTS' LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
If you have never had any driver license, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Complete all the steps required for a permit.
Pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. If you fail the first driving test, you must pay a $5 retest fee for a second or third attempt and wait until the next day or the next available appointment before you are tested again.
If you have an out-of-state, or out-of-country license, or you are renewing a California driver license, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Complete all the steps required for a permit. (A temporary license will not be issued if your visual acuity is worse than 20/ 70 in both eyes together.)
Surrender your valid out-of country driver license. Out-of-state licenses will be
invalidated and returned.
NOTE: Driving tests for holders of out-of-state or U.S. territory licenses are normally waived. However, the department may require a driving test for any type of application. Driving tests are required for out-of-country license holders.
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS
Where To Take The Tests
You may take the written, vision, and driving tests at any DMV office which provides driver license services. Written and vision tests are required when you apply for an original or upgrade to a different class of license. Written tests may be required for a license renewal. Driving tests are usually waived for the class of license you currently have. However, the department may require a driving test for any type of application. Appointments are available for all DMV services. An appointment is usually required to take any driving test.
DMV Wants You To Pass
DMV wants you to pass your test. There are law exams in many different languages. However, you must have the ability to read traffic signs in English. If the language you read is not available, you may take the exam with the help of an interpreter. Audio exams and an English exam in large print are also available. If you have difficulty with an exam, tell the DMV employee. You can be more successful by following these suggestions:
Read this handbook. Take a few days to review the information.
Ask a family member or a friend to test your knowledge.
Read the test questions carefully. Don’t read anything extra into the question. There is only one correct answer.
All test questions are based on this handbook. If you miss a question, the DMV employee can tell you where to find the correct answer.
Review the sample test questions at the back of the handbook. Sample questions are also available online. DMV’s website:
www.dmv.ca.gov.
DMV's Examinations
Your driver license examinations include:
A vision test. If you need glasses or corrective contact lenses to pass this test, you must wear them. Your license will show that you must wear “corrective lenses” while driving. If you do not pass the vision test, you will be referred to your vision specialist. A driving test may be required.
A test of traffic laws, road signs, and driving safety rules (written or audio) to find out if you know how to legally drive your vehicle.
A driving test, if required. This test is usually given by appointment only. For the driving test, bring
your old license or instruction permit, if you have one.
a licensed driver.
a vehicle that is safe to drive, currently and properly registered, and displays a front and rear license plate. The vehicle’s brake lights, horn, parking brake, and electric signals must work properly and the vehicle cannot have bald tires. The driver’s side window must roll down. The windshield must allow a full unobstructed field of vision and there must be two rear view mirrors (one on the left outside of the vehicle).
You will be asked to locate the controls for the vehicle’s headlights, windshield wipers,
defroster, and emergency flashers. You must demonstrate how to use the parking brake. You must show that your car is properly insured. If you use a rental car for the driving test, the driver’s name must show on the contract as the insured. You must also wear your seat belt.
NOTE: The driving test will be postponed if the vehicle does not meet the above requirements or
if you refuse to use your seat belt during the driving test.
The Driving Test
The driving test is your chance to show that you can drive safely. Only you and the examiner (or other DMV personnel) can be in the vehicle. No animal may be in the vehicle. The examiner will give you directions and will not trick you or ask you to do anything illegal. The driving test is only given after all the application requirements have been met.
You will be asked to show the arm signals. However, during the test, you must use the vehicle’s turn signal lights.
During the driving test, the examiner will note:
How you start your vehicle. When leaving the curb, do you use your mirrors and turn your
head and look back for passing cars? Do you signal, and wait until it is safe before entering traffic?
How you control your vehicle. Do you use the gas pedal, brake, steering wheel (hands on opposite sides), and other controls correctly?
How you drive in traffic. Do you use the proper lane? Do you signal, turn your head and look back before pulling away from the curb or when you change lanes? Do you signal the proper distance before turning? Do you follow other vehicles at a safe distance?
How you obey the traffic signals and posted signs (such as speed limit signs).
How you drive through blind or crowded intersections. Do you scan carefully for signs, signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles? Do you yield and take the right of way correctly?
How you steer your vehicle. Do you turn from the proper lane into the proper lane. Is your turn too wide or too sharp?
How you stop. Do you stop smoothly and at the limit line or at the corner? Can you stop quickly and safely in an emergency? In a vehicle with a manual transmission, do you keep the vehicle in gear or push the clutch in and coast to a stop?
How you back up. Do you look over your right shoulder while backing? Can you back in a straight line? Do you have complete control of the vehicle?
How you change your speed to suit the number and speed of nearby traffic, the people crossing the street, road conditions, weather, the amount of light, and the distance you can see ahead.
How you respect the rights of others. Are you courteous to other drivers and pedestrians?
Whether you pay full attention to the job of driving.
At the end of the driving test, the examiner will discuss the results with you and give you a copy of your score sheet. If you pass the driving test, you will be issued a 60-day interim license.
MISCELLANEOUS LICENSING INFORMATION
License Refusal
DMV takes the strongest action possible against anyone who alters or otherwise attempts to falsify a driver license. DMV may also refuse to issue you a license if you:
Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Have used the license illegally or lied on your application or cheated on any license examination.
Do not understand traffic laws or signs.
Do not have the skill to drive or have a health problem that makes your driving unsafe.
Have an outstanding court action.
Impersonate an applicant or allow someone else to impersonate you to fraudulently qualify for a license.
Submit a fraudulent birth date/legal presence document or social security document.
Refuse to sign the certification on the application form (DL 44) or give a thumb print.
Also see Actions That Result In Loss Of License
Limited Term Licenses
Drivers with physical or medical conditions may need to be reexamined from time to time by a physician or be retested more often than every five years (limited term license status) by a DMV examiner. See the Health & Safety Section for more information.
License Extension
If you are away from California (up to one year), you may request a free one-year extension before your driver license expires. Limited term drivers are not eligible for this extension.
Mail your request to
DMV,
P.O. Box 942890,
Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.
Include your name, driver license number, birth date, California residence address, and your out-of-state address.
License in Your Possession
You must always have your driver license with you when you drive. Show it to any police officer who asks to see it. If you are in an accident, you must show it to the other driver(s) involved. (More information).
Unlicensed Drivers
It is against the law to loan your vehicle to a person who is unlicensed or whose driving privilege has been suspended. If the person is caught driving, your vehicle may be impounded for 30 days. (VC §14602.6)
No person of any age may drive on a highway or in a public parking facility unless the person has a valid driver license or permit. The law also states that you must not employ, permit, or authorize any unlicensed person to drive your vehicle on a public street or highway unless the person is licensed to drive that class of vehicle.
Renewal by Mail or Internet
If you have not already received two consecutive five-year extensions, you may be eligible to renew by mail, without taking a law test, if:
Your current license expires before age 70.
You do not have a probationary license. (VC §14250)
You have not violated a written promise to appear in court within the last two years.
You are not suspended for driving with an illegal blood alcohol content (BAC) level, or for refusing, or for failing to complete, a chemical or preliminary alcohol screening test within the last two years.
You do not have a total violation point count greater than one.
NOTE: You may renew by Internet if your renewal-by-mail notice includes a Renewal Identification Number (RIN).
Medical Information Card
Call 1-800-777-0133 and ask for a free card (DL 390) to list your blood type, allergies, name of your physician, and other medical information. It can be carried along with your DL/ID card.
Organ Donation
If you are at least 18 years old, you may donate your body, body parts, or a pacemaker for medical transplantation, research, or both after your death. Donors should share their decision with family members. For information about the donor program go online at:
www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl.htm.
Navigate to the Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry
You may also contact these organizations for organ/tissue donations or monetary donations:
California Transplant Donor Network, 1-888-540-9400
Golden State Donor Services, 916-567-1600
Lifesharing, 619-521-1983
OneLegacy, 1-800-786-4077