Driver education (DE) and driver training (DT)
Overseen by California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Occupational Licensing
- Who can take it
If you are under 18, you must complete classroom driver education at a licensed school before you can get your instruction permit.
What the source says
“If you are under 18 years old, you are required to complete classroom DE at a licensed DT school before you can get your instruction permit.”
Driver Training Schools - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
- Age
If you are 15 1/2 to 17 1/2 years old, you will need to provide proof that you completed driver education or that you are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education and driver training program.
What the source says
“If you are 15 ½ – 17 ½ years old, you will need to provide proof that you completed driver education (certificate of completion of driver education) or are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training (DE/DT) program”
Instruction Permits - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
If you are over 17 1/2 but under 18, you may get an instruction permit without the driver education and driver training certificates, but you cannot take the driving test until you are 18.
What the source says
“If you are over 17 ½ but under 18 years of age, you may get your instruction permit without the DE/DT certificates. However, you will not be able to take the driving test until you are 18 years of age.”
Instruction Permits - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
Driver education must be either 30 hours (or 2 1/2 semester periods) of professional classroom instruction, or a home study or internet training program.
What the source says
“It must consist of either 30 hours or 2 1/2 semester periods of professional classroom instruction (not including breaks or meal times) or a home study or internet training program.”
Driver Training Schools - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
A home study or internet driver education program must meet the same requirements as classroom instruction.
What the source says
“If you choose to do a home study or internet training program, it must meet the same requirements as classroom instruction.”
Driver Training Schools - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
- Certificate
A DMV-licensed driving school gives the student a Certificate of Completion of Driver Education as proof that the course was completed.
What the source says
“The authorized DMV licensed driving school will present students with a Certificate of Completion of Driver Education”
Driver Training Schools - California DMV, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
State law says no one may own or operate a driving school, or give driving instruction for pay, without a license from the DMV.
What the source says
“No person shall own or operate a driving school or give driving instruction for compensation, unless a license therefor has been secured from the department.”
California Vehicle Code, Division 5, Chapter 1, Driving Schools and Driving Instructors (sections 11100 to 11114), read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
Driver training must include at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional driving instructor.
What the source says
“DT must consist of at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a professional driving instructor.”
Driver Training Schools - California DMV, read October 7, 2026