This is the procedure for getting a Driver’s License before you turn 18:
1. DRIVER EDUCATION CLASS
Complete Driver Education class at Roadrunner Driving School and receive a Driver Education Completion Certificate. (There is a reissue fee if you lose a certificate.)
2. LEARNER’S PERMIT
If you are at least 15 1/2 years old, you may go to the DMV and take the written test. The test is 46 multiple choice questions, and you can miss 8 and still pass. An appointment is recommended but you may try walking in without one. They will not give the test if you arrive after 4:00 pm. To schedule an appointment, call the DMV at 800.777.0133, or schedule online at dmv.ca.gov.
FOR THE DMV WRITTEN TEST, YOU MUST PROVIDE:
- 1. $36.00 application fee.
- 2. Confirmation code you receive after completing CDL application (DL44) online at dmv.ca.gov.
- 3. Birth Certificate or passport – NO photocopies
- 4. Social Security card – NO photocopies
- 5. Two (2) legal presence documents – photo copies are accepted (See dmv.ca.gov for examples)
- 6. Driver Ed Completion Certificate (blue for class room, pink for online) $20.00 fee for duplicate
- 7. If you are a minor, Parent/Guardian signature required on DL44.
CALL 546-3238 TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST DRIVING LESSON.
You must provide permit number and issue/expiration dates before you can schedule a driving lesson. State law requires that drivers license applicants under the age of 18 have at least 6 hours of Driver Training with a DMV certified instructor. (Three 2 hour sessions)
3. PRACTICE DRIVING BETWEEN LESSONS
You must practice driving between lessons with a California licensed driver over the age of 25 years. This person must be seated next to you, awake and not under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. Supervised practice must include no less than 50 hours of drive time, including 10 hours at night. It does not include the 6 hours with licensed instructor. Keep the written log we provide (during your first lesson) of your driving hours and bring it to each lesson.
Do not just drive to school and back and in familiar areas over and over again. New drivers need exposure to new situations to help them develop their visual search pattern, timing and judgment, and ability to anticipate other roadway users. Driving takes practice, just like math,sports, music, art or any other skill. The 50 hours practice are critical for new drivers to develop their driving skills. There are skills involved with driving that nobody can teach. The new driver has to develop them as they drive. (Ex: Do I have time to turn left ifo the oncoming vehicle? Do I have space enough to change lanes ifo the vehicle I see in my left mirror? What is that skateboarder going to do next? Who goes first at this busy 4-way stop? Is it safe to enter the freeway ifo this big rig in the lane to my left?) After your third driving lesson, you will receive a Driver Training Completion Certificate (gold). (There is a $20 reissue fee if you lose a certificate.)
4. DRIVER’S LICENSE
When you have completed six hours of Driver Training and at least 50 hours of practice, have had your permit for at least 6 months and you are at least 16 years old, you are eligible to take the DMV driving test. You should be able to schedule the test up to 60 days prior to the date you want to test. That time varies wildly with the DMV.
FOR THE DMV DRIVING TEST YOU MUST PROVIDE:
- Your Permit – second page signed by instructor and parent/guardian
- Driver Training Completion Certificate (gold)
- Proof of Insurance for the car being used for the driving test
- Current Registration for the car being used for the test