California Driver Education Course

What is the California Driver Education Course?

If you are 15½ to 17½ years of age, the California DMV requires you to take a 30-hour driver education program that is licensed by the department in order to apply for a learner permit.

We know that you spend a lot of time in a classroom already and probably have a busy schedule. With Safe2Drive’s online CA Driver Education course, you can study our CA DMV-licensed material in the comfort of your own home, at the pace that works best for you (there are no lesson timers), and receive an official Certificate of Completion.

How does it work?

Follow our easy steps to get your California driver license if you're 15½ to 17½ years old:

• Step #1: Take Our DMV-Licensed California Driver Education Course
  
  
  1. Register. You will create a username and password which will allow you to log in to your account as often as you like.
  2. Complete the course!
  3. Pass the final exam. We know you will ace the final exam the first time but, you can take the exam as many times as you need to in order to pass, FREE of charge!
  4. Once you pass the course, we will send you your Certificate of Completion (Form DL 400C) FREE of charge! This is proof that you have completed the course and will allow you to take your permit test.
  
  
• Step #2: Study for the California Provisional Permit Test

  To earn the California provisional instruction permit and eventually the California driver license, everyone regardless of age must pass a knowledge test on traffic laws and signs. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

  A proven way to increase your chances of passing your learners permit test is to study, study, and study. Safe2Drive includes practice tests free of charge to help to better prepare you for your exam! We highly encourage you to utilize this extra added feature.

• Step #3: Apply for the California Provisional Permit

  When you're ready to take your written permit test, save time by scheduling your test appointment at your local DMV location by calling 1-800-777-0133 or going to the CA DMV Website.

  To apply for a provisional permit, you will need the following:

  1. Be at least 15 ½, but under 18 years of age.
  2. Complete the application form DL 44.

     Note: Because original signatures are required on the form and because each DL 44 contains a unique barcode which must be scanned or keyed by the DMV employee, the state of California does not provide the DL 44 online. You MUST get this form from the DMV.

     To obtain a DL 44 by mail, call DMV's automated phone service at (800) 777-0133 (available 24/7) or visit your local DMV office to pick one up.

  3. Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form DL 44.

     Note: Both parents must sign unless sole custody.

  4. Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.
  5. Give proof of your birth date and legal residence (originals or certified copies only). View acceptable documents
  6. Submit a Certificate of Completion from a DMV-licensed California Driver Education course if you're under 17½.
  7. Give your thumb print.
  8. Pay the application fee. (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both your provisional instruction permit and your driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
  9. Pass a vision exam.
  10. Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. You'll have to answer at least 39 questions correctly. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait seven days before taking the test again.
  11. Have your picture taken.

  Once you pass the test, you will be issued a provisional instruction permit!

• Step #4: Enroll in a Behind-The-Wheel Training Class
  
  
  1. Complete at least 6 hours of professional driver training.

     Note: Your permit is not active until you do your first session of professional driver training.

  2. Legally, you must complete this course before moving on and practicing with your parent or legal guardian.

  If you live in West Los Angeles County, Southwest Ventura County, or Riverside County, you can take your 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with our behind-the-wheel partner, Cantors Driving School. Visit Cantors Driving School's website to see service locations, pricing, and to book your driving lessons.

  
  
• Step #5: Practice Driving Under Supervision

  Once you have your California provisional instruction permit, you'll need to practice driving under supervision. A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you at all times when you drive. It is illegal for you to drive on your own at any time.

  To get your license before you turn 18, you'll need to practice driving for at least 6 months before you take the driving test. You must complete 50 hours of practice driving with a parent, guardian, or other adult 25 years or older. Out of these 50 hours ten of them must be done at night. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify 50 hours of practice driving.

  Want to make this supervised driving period as stress-free as possible? See the California Parent-Teen Training Guide.

• Step #6: Take the Driving Test for Your California Driver License

  When you're ready to take your driving test, you must schedule your test appointment at your local DMV location by calling 1-800-777-0133 or going to the CA DMV Website.

  Note: Your permit is not active until you do your first session of professional driver training.

  Before being eligible to take your California driving test you must:

  1. Be at least 16 years old.
  2. Have held your permit for a minimum of six months.
  3. Have completed a DMV-licensed California driver education course (if you're under 17½ years of age).
  4. Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training (if you're under 17½ years of age).
  5. Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
  6. Show proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be using for your driving test.

  After you pass your driving test you will be issued an interim license valid for 90 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail.

Learning to drive safely does not end with your driving test. Your license means you have met the driving test requirements. However, in everyday driving you will have to deal with many situations and problems you did not encounter on your driving test. The best way to deal with unexpected situations is to always use the same, safe driving habits and the responsible attitude you demonstrated on your driving test.

Safe2Drive wishes you the best of luck!

Where can I complete my 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving school?

If you live in West Los Angeles County, Southwest Ventura County, or Riverside County, you can take your 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with our behind-the-wheel partner, Cantors Driving School. Visit Cantors Driving School's website to see service locations, pricing, and to book your driving lessons. If you live outside of these areas, you will need to find a school that's local to you. Be sure to check that the school is licensed by visiting the California DMV's website, selecting "Driving School," and either inputting the school's name, city and zip code, or entering their license number and city to ensure their license is current.