Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License — California Permit Test Rules (Section 2)

Required documents

Applicants must provide two proofs of residency showing they live in California, though exceptions may apply.
If the name on your identity document differs from the name on your application, you must provide a legal full name document showing your current name.
Applicants must provide their social security number, although exceptions may apply.
Applicants for an instruction permit or driver's license must provide a document proving their identity.

Applying for a Class C instruction permit requires providing your documents and paying an application fee that cannot be refunded.
You must pass the required knowledge test(s) and a vision test to get a Class C instruction permit.
To apply for a Class C instruction permit, you must fill out a Driver's License & ID Card Application.

Applicants under 18 must be at least 15½ years old to apply for an instruction permit.
Permit applicants under 18 must finish a driver education program.
For applicants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application to approve it and to accept financial responsibility.
If a minor's parents or guardians have joint custody, both of them must sign the permit application.
A minor may not use the instruction permit until starting behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor, who validates the permit.

Driver education and driver training are available at DMV-licensed driving schools and at some high schools.
Driving instructors are required to carry an instructor's ID card, and you may ask to see it.

Driver's license applicants under 18 must be at least 16 years old.
Minors applying for a license must show proof that they finished both driver education and driver training.
Of the 50 required practice hours for minors, 10 hours must be done at night.
Applicants under 18 need to have held a California or out-of-state instruction permit for a minimum of 6 months, or reach age 18, before they can book the behind-the-wheel drive test.

A driver's license issued to someone under 18 is marked with the word provisional.

A provisional driver may not drive for pay.
During the first 12 months of having a license, a provisional driver may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
A provisional driver may not carry passengers under 20 years old unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another California-licensed driver who is at least 25.

A provisional driver with a medical need and no reasonable alternative transportation may be excused from the restrictions if carrying a note signed by a physician.
A physician's note for the medical exception must state the medical condition and the date recovery is expected.
A provisional driver driving for school or a school activity is excepted if carrying a note signed by the school principal, dean, or designee.
A provisional driver who must drive for work is excepted if carrying a note signed by the employer confirming the employment.
A provisional driver who must drive an immediate family member is excepted if carrying a note signed by a parent or legal guardian.
The parent's note for driving a family member must give the reason for driving, name the family member, and state when the need will end.

The licensed driver supervising your practice must be seated close enough to take control of the vehicle if necessary.
After getting an instruction permit, you need to practice driving alongside a California-licensed driver aged 18 or older, or aged 25 or older if you are under 18.
Getting a driver's license requires successfully completing a behind-the-wheel drive test.

If you hold no driver's license from California or any other state, you need to get an instruction permit before you can take the behind-the-wheel drive test.

Restated from the California Driver's Handbook, Section 2. Read the official text.