Questions? Answers.

Your completion slip will be mailed within 3 days. Then follow these steps to get your California driver’s license:

1. Apply for your instruction permit at the DMV. To get a permit you need to be at least 15½ but under 18, have a Certificate of Completion/Enrollment of Driver Education, and complete the California Driver’s License or ID Card Application. Fill out the application online first, then book a DMV appointment. Bring:
   • Your driver’s ed certificate
   • Proof of identity and two proofs of residency
   • A parent/guardian signature (both parents, or only one if only one has custody)
   • The fee: California doesn’t charge a separate fee for an instruction permit. You pay the $46 driver’s license application fee and get a permit until you’re eligible for the license.
2. Pass the written knowledge test. It’s multiple choice based on the California Driver’s Handbook, and passing is 80%. Tests aren’t given at DMV offices after 4:30 p.m. You may also be able to take it online before your visit. Study the Driver’s Handbook and try our practice tests.
3. Start behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving school. Your permit isn’t usable right away: wait to use it until you start behind-the-wheel training with an instructor who will validate it. Training is 6 hours total, usually three 2-hour lessons. After the first lesson the instructor signs your permit, and at the end you get a training completion certificate. Book Behind-the-Wheel training
4. Practice with a supervising adult. With a permit, you can drive only when a parent, guardian, or adult 25 or older with a valid California license is present. California requires 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night), which your parent certifies.
5. Take the driving test. After holding the permit for at least 6 months and finishing training and practice hours (and being at least 16), schedule the behind-the-wheel test. Bring your permit, training certificate, an insured vehicle, and a licensed adult.
6. Get your provisional license. The first year has restrictions, including limits on driving late at night and carrying young passengers without an adult. These lift at 18.

17½ or older? You can get a permit without driver’s ed or training, but you can’t take the driving test until you’re 18. The DMV’s Teen Driver page (dmv.ca.gov/teendriver) has the official checklist.

Sources: CA DMV – Instruction Permits · CA DMV – Driver’s Handbook · Insurify · DrivingLaws.org

Yes. If you are under 17½ years of age, you must complete Driver Education and Driver Training through a public or private school or a state-licensed professional driving school.

You must be at least 15½ years old to take the instruction permit test. See permit requirements

You will need either the DL 400B Certificate of Completion for Classroom Driver Education, or the DL 400C Certificate of Completion for Non-Classroom Driver Education (Online Course).

You must be at least 16 years old to take the test for a minor's provisional license. See license requirements

For the first 12 months after receiving your license:

• You cannot drive between 11 PM and 5 AM.
• You cannot transport passengers under the age of 20 unless you are accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver aged 25 or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.

Yes, we offer a DMV-approved Online Driver Education course. Learn more and register. Be cautious: many online courses are not DMV approved.

There is no specific minimum age requirement to take the course. Upon completion, students receive a state completion certificate.

You must make up any missed class time. You can do this at most of our locations. Call our office at (408) 972-1168 and press 2# for a list of class dates and locations. Please leave a message with your intended make-up date and location, or check our website for the class listings.

Call us at (408) 972-1168. You can listen to recorded messages in mailboxes 1#, 2# or 3#. After any message, you can leave a voice message of up to two minutes at the tone. You may also press # during the recording to leave a message.

Email us at information@economicdrivingschool.com.