How many practice hours do you need in California?
In California, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.
California learner permit requirements
- Minimum permit age: 15½
- Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
- Permit hold period: 6 months
- License eligibility age: 16
- How hours are certified: Form DL 356 (parent/guardian certification of practice hours).
Drivers under 17½ must complete driver education and driver training. A parent or guardian certifies the 50 hours (10 at night) when applying for the provisional license.
Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the California DMV before applying.
California's graduated licensing stages
Drive only with a licensed adult 25+; complete 50 hours of practice (10 at night).
Issued after holding the permit 6 months and passing the road test; night and passenger limits apply for 12 months.
All provisional restrictions are lifted.
Driving restrictions for new California drivers
For the first 12 months, you can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 25 or older is with you.
For the first 12 months, you can't carry passengers under 20 unless a licensed driver 25 or older is with you.
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all while driving — handheld or hands-free.
Log every California practice hour automatically
DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.
California driving practice FAQs
How many driving hours do you need in California?+
California requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 at night, before applying for a license.
Can I drive my younger siblings to school in California?+
During the first 12 months you generally can't carry passengers under 20 without a licensed adult 25+; a documented family exception may apply if no other transportation is available — confirm with the DMV.
Does driver education count toward the 50 hours?+
Behind-the-wheel professional training (6 hours) is separate from the 50 hours of parent-supervised practice; both are required for drivers under 17½.