THE PROCESS OF GETTING YOUR CA DRIVER LICENSE
Step One: Take Driver Education
Enroll and pass the driver education classes. A Plus Driving School offers you the convenience of taking these classes online. Once you pass the class, A Plus will give you a certificate of completion (DL 400C).
Step Two: Obtain Your Permit From the DMV
To get your driver permit:
a. We will mail you a DL44 (DMV Permit/License Application), which you will need to fill out and have both your parents or guardians sign (those who have legal though not necessarily physical custody of you).
b. If you are between 15 1/2 and 17-1/2, bring the following items to the DMV:
- A DL-44 signed by your parents (see above)
- A Driver Education Completion Certificate (DL 400C)
- Your birth certificate (has purple ink or the state seal embossed on it; no copies) or
your passport
- Your Social Security number(even better your Social Security card)
c. Pass a law test. If you incorrectly answer nine or more questions (out of 46 total), you must wait one week before taking it again.
d. Pass an eye exam, have your thumb print taken, and have your photo taken by the DMV.
e. Do NOT sign the application until you are instructed to do so. The DMV employee has to watch you sign the form. Be sure to sign your legal name. (No nicknames, and it is a good idea to have established your consistent and legible signature by this time)
f. Pay the required application fee.
g. Check your permit for errors while still at the DMV. If your name, birth date or address is not correct, let the DMV employee know immediately.
NOTE: If you want a permit to drive mopeds or morotcycles, you must be at least 15-1/2 and bring proof that you have completed driver education and driver training.
Step Three: Take Driver Training (Behind-the-Wheel)
Take Driver Training with a licensed DMV instructor. (Your parent cannot legally do this).
Step Four: Practice, Practice, Practice!
You must be 16 years old and have completed at least 50 hours of practice (ten of which are at night) with someone over 25 years of age to be eligible for your provisional license. They will require your parent or guardian's signature on your permit, along with their license number as proof that this has been done. You must also hold your permit for a minimum of six months before you are eligible to receive a license. (If your parent/guardian is unable to help you practice your driving to meet these requirements, A Plus can offer additional two-hour sessions. See Pricing and Signup for additional information.)
Step Five: Meet the Requirements for Your License
To obtain your provisional license, you must be at least 16 years old, have held your permit for at least six months, and prove that you have completed Driver Training: A Certificate of Completion in Driver Training (DL400D.) You also must provide a parent/guardian signature on your instruction permit, verifying that you have completed 50 hours of driving practice (10 hours must be night driving).
Take the DMV Behind-the-Wheel Test!
Call 1-800-777-0133 to schedule your behind-the-wheel test. It usually requires at least two weeks' notice to book the test.
Bring your permit (signed by your parent), Driver Training Completion certificate (DL400D), your registration and your insurance card. Rest up. Make sure you have practiced in an area similar to the DMV of your choice, so you are familiar with the type of driving you will be tested on.
NOTE: Do NOT drive on the route before the test, nor ask your instructor to take you on the route. (This is illegal). The examiner knows you are nervous. Pay attention to road signs. Don't sweat the small mistakes. Stay calm. (During your final driving lesson, the driving instructor will have reviewed much of the information needed for your driving test).
And to keep your license:
Observe the License Restrictions. Effective January 1, 2006, you must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, other licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor when you:
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Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time for the first twelve months.
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Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months.
You ARE permittted to drive alone between the hours of 5 am and 11 pm.
Questions? Call us at 831-335-7210 or email us at aplusdrivingschool@comcast.net