Aquiring a DL44:

The youngest age a person may be to take the permit test is 15 1/2 years old. Meaning, that while you must be able at least 15 1/2 to have a permit, you may start the process before reaching this age. The first step is to get a  DL 44, also known as a 'Certificate of completion of non-classroom/classroom driver's education paper, noted by its purple color. This is paper proving that an individual has been educated on the rules of the road, meaning of signs, penalties for infractions, etc. The DL44 paper does not expire. There are two ways to get these papers, and hey both mean the same thing: 

a.) Classroom: Certain companies (such as AAA Insurance) offer learners courses in which a student will attend courses, pass small tests, and at the end receive a Certificate of Completion of Classroom Driver's Education paper. Prices vary but are generally several hundreds of dollars and courses require classes to be attended in person at a location provided by the company. 

b.) Non-classroom: Online, you can find a website, MyCaliforniaPermit.com that allows you to read all of the necessary information on your own time, take 5 question quizzes with infinite retakes, and have a Certificate of Completion of Non-Classroom Driver's Education paper mailed to you, usually within 1-2 weeks. It costs a fee of $65 dollars to access the information, quizzes, and have the paper mailed to you. 

*Personal Note: I recommend method B. It is the cheapest and can be done from anywhere, and is generally how most teens get their DL44. However, there is A LOT of reading to be done (Roughly 15 hours). While this is a lot, I HIGHLY encourage that you read it all. All of the information in that reading will be required to know for the permit test. Once you complete the reading and mini-quizzes, you will take one 'final' exam, of which 80% is required to pass. Yes, it does have unlimited retakes. Once this test is passed the DL44 will be mailed to you. 

Taking the DL44 to the DMV and Preparing to Take the Permit Test:

Once you have your DL44 fill out all of the required information and go to the DMV to take the permit test. It is recommended that you make a DMV account online as it will allow you to schedule appointments, which can be important in not waiting potentially month sot take the test. However, this is not required but be prepared to wait up to 2 hours if you go to the DMV without an appointment. After waiting in the main DMV que your ticket will be called and after speaking with a DMV employee they will direct you into another line, the line to use the DMV official computers (this line is much shorter). After this line you will be set up at a computer station and take the test. 

Reviewing for the test: 

There are several ways to review for the permit test. 

Read the California Driver's Handbook

Take FREE practice quizzes online (Such as this one, Link)

When in a car as a passenger, try to identify road signs or general road terminology. 

When there is no sign, the default neighborhood speed limit is 25 MPH. 

^default for alleyways is 15 MPH

Children under 4'9" require at least a booster seat. 

Actively Taking the Permit Test:

The permit test will consist of 46 questions, either true/ false or multiple choice. In order to pass you must achieve an 80%, meaning you have to get at least 38 questions correct. While taking the test you will have the ability to 'skip' questions. When you skip a question you move onto the next question, and move the skipped question to the end of the test. You will have to complete the skipped questions, you just have the option to move it to the end. Some questions are incredibly simple and straightforward, others will use confusing/ specific terminology or propose specific scenarios. Ultimately, just use your gut instinct. Try and imagine yourself in a situation that the question is implying, and select the answer which best represents what you are thinking. 

After the Permit Test: 

After you take the permit test, the computer will tell you whether you passed or failed. Regardless, you will go and speak to a DMV employee. If you pass your permit will be printed out and handed to you immediately and you may now drive with a licensed parent. 

If you happen to fail the permit test, its okay and not the end of the world. After waiting 7 days (not including the day of failure) you can retake the permit test. However, you will have to pay another fee to take the test. But be careful, if you fail the permit test 3 times in a 12-month period, you must restart the entire permit process and apply for another DL44.