California Drivers Education

Teen drivers in California were the first in the nation to first face the more restrictive graduated drivers’ licenses programs which went into effect in 1997. California believed that lack of experience and a teen’s likelihood to put themselves into situations that would involve more risk made it imperative on them to enact stricter teen driving rules. Many states have now followed suit and implemented similar programs.

In order for you to become a licensed driver in the State of California, there are specific steps which must be adhered to and each step has its own requirements.

Initially, all drivers must take and pass a driver education class, apply for a learners permit which must be held for six months (and you must be fifteen and a half to apply for one), learn driving skills while involved in a formal program as well as practicing with parents and then you can apply for a provisional license.

Driver education classes are required to be taught by a state-licensed driver’s education school, or must be taught in your high school. This portion of the training cannot be taught by parents, even if the student is home schooled. Basic requirements include thirty hours of instruction and may be done in a classroom or via an internet based course that meets the minimum requirements of California and you must pass this course. Once this step is completed, a certificate of completion of driver education will be mailed to you and you will then be able to sign up for behind the wheel driver training and apply for your learners permit.

For a learners permit, you are only authorized to drive as long as you are supervised by a licensed adult over the age of twenty five. You will first be required to make an appointment, fill out a driver’s license application (DL44) and have it signed by a parent or guardian, and have the following for the DMV the day of your appointment:

• Provide your Social Security number
• Turn in your completed original DL 44 (copies are not accepted)
• Have your thumbprint taken
• Have your picture taken
• Show your original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate. Or if you're not a U.S.-born citizen, bring proof that you are a legal U.S. resident
• Provide your full legal name
• Have the proper proof-of-completion forms for driver education classes
• Pay the application fee, which is good for one year
• Pass a vision exam
  

You should have a copy of the California Drivers Handbook as well as a copy of the handbook that was put together for parents and teen drivers to review together for information regarding your parents’ liabilities when you obtain your license.

Helpful information that you should be aware of as it pertains to restrictions on your license are these:

• You can drive due to a medical necessity when transportation alternatives are inadequate. The note must be signed by your physician, and contain the diagnosis and projected recovery date.
• For schooling or school-authorized activity you may obtain a note signed by your school principal.
• If you work and your job requires you to operate a vehicle as part of your employment a note signed by your employer verifying employment may be presented
• If there is a specific family need and your parent is willing to sign a letter stating so and you carry that signed letter you will also be allowed to drive.
• If you have declared yourself emancipated and provided DMV with Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors’ signatures.