Useful DMV information

Covid-19 impact

Field offices are open now by appointment only.

Scheduling DMV appointments

Schedule an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov  or by telephone services 1-800-777-0133.

DMV Hours of operation

DMV hours of operation vary by location. You can view DMV office hours on their website at www.dmv.ca.gov 

California Driver Handbook

You may access DMV Driver Handbook by visiting

Link to CA Driver Handbook

We highly recommend that you read this handbook prior to taking your permit test.

What to bring to DMV – permit test

  1. DMV application.  Complete this online, save confirmation number. Parent or guardian signature(s) required for minors.
  2. Driver’s Education certificate of completion-required for under 17 ½ years old.
  3. Required fee. Cash, personal check or money order, payable to DMV or credit card.
  4. Verification of birth. Birth certificate-no photo copies, valid passport, green card, resident alien card or military ID.
  5. Proof of Residency Documents (2).
  6. Glasses or contacts, if needed for vision test.
  7. For more info:  www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/checklists/permit_under18

What to bring to DMV drive test – road test

  1. Permit with photo receipt – parent or guardian signature(s) required to verify additional training for minors.
  2. Drivers Education’s certificate- required for minors.
  3. Drivers Training certificate of completion – required for minors.
  4. Vehicle registration and insurance – must be current.
  5. Glasses or contacts, if required.

How to choose a reputable driving school

Choosing a professional driving school that provides quality services is vital towards paving your foundation for driving success. When researching different schools, here are some important questions to ask: How long has your driving school been established? How much experience do your instructors have? Is your driving school licensed & bonded?

Another great source to find out information on driving school is word of mouth. Talk to friends, relatives or other parents before committing to a school. Although price is an important factor as a consumer, price should not be your determining factor in choosing a driving school. It has been argued that the skill to drive is one of the most important skills that a person can possess. Driving school is an investment in education.  Also, consider driving schools belonging to the Driving School Association of CA and Driving School Association of the Americas.

Practicing With a Learner’s Permit

18 Years and older may drive supervised with someone who is 18 years or older who has a valid, California Driver’s License.  Under 18 years old must take their FIRST driving lesson with a Professional Driving School before they are eligible to drive supervised, unless teen is 17 ½ or older.  The supervised driver must be 25 years or older who has a valid, California Driver’s License.

Graduated licensing program for provisional drivers– Under 18 years old

After receiving a provisional license, for the first YEAR:

  • No driving between the hours of 11pm and 5am *
  • No transporting passengers under 20 years old *

*Unless there is someone 25 years or older who has a valid CA driver’s license, supervising, or other exception specified in the CA DMV Driver’s Handbook

Insurance requirements for driving schools

Driving Schools are required to be fully insured and bonded. Certificate of insurance OL 207, CVC 11103 and surety bond in the amount of $10,000, CVC 111102(a)(3) and 11102.1.

DMV permit test – written test

For drivers under 18, the written test contains 46 questions and passing is 8 errors or less. The adult written test contains 36 questions and passing is 3 errors or less.  Written test renewals contain 18 questions and passing is 3 errors or less. You are required to have an appointment to take the permit test at most DMV’s.

Methods to take the permit test:  written, audio and oral.  The test is available in most languages.   Upon passing, you will receive permit immediately. Permit is valid for one year from the date that you first applied.

DMV road test – drive test

An appointment is required for the road test. Have your permit number available upon scheduling. You must provide the vehicle, current registration and proof of insurance. The vehicle must be in good working order. You will be tested on arm signals, equipment of the vehicle and safe driving practices. Rental cars are not allowed for DMV road tests.  See our Drive Test Service if you would like to use the driving school’s car for your test.

Traffic school- clearing a ticket, points on record

Most drivers are eligible to attend traffic school once every 18 months. Drivers may attend traffic school to clear traffic infractions, 1 point convictions.  All traffic convictions involving the unsafe operation of a motor vehicle on the highway shall be given a value of one or two points.

Citations are classified as infraction or misdemeanor convictions.  Infractions will result in 1 point on the driving record (i.e. run red light, incomplete stop, and speeding).  This conviction will remain on the record for 3 years.  Drivers will also be required to pay the fine for the ticket and possible insurance rate increase.  Minors will incur additional consequences

A misdemeanor conviction is more serious and will result in 2 points on the driving record (i.e. DUI, hit & run, speeding over 100mph).  Misdemeanor convictions will remain on the record for 7 years.  DUI convictions will remain on driving record to 10 years.  Additional consequences of a misdemeanor conviction include large monetary fines, mandatory court appearance and possible jail time.  Misdemeanor convictions are not eligible for traffic school.

We do not offer the DUI Program.