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
You will need to go to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to get your instructional permit. You must be 15 ½ but under 18. While most students go to the Capitola or Watsonville Office of the DMV, you may go to any DMV in the state to get your permit. We recommend that you make an appointment but it is not necessary. To make an appointment:
- Go online at www.dmv.ca.gov.
- The reason for your visit is to apply for an original driver license.
- Use the DMV Now application on iPhone and Android cellular phones.
- Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
Before you go to the DMV fill out the online Electronic Driver License and ID Card application. The simple electronic application will guide you through filling out the required information. After completing the application you will receive a confirmation number to take with you to the DMV.
When you go to the DMV make sure to have the following:
- Certificate of completion of Non-Classroom Driver Education (DL400C) – enclosed. This requires a parent/guardian signature at the bottom.
- Your birth certificate (original, not a copy) or passport.
- Satisfactory proof of California residency. DMV form FFDL 5A has a complete list.
In addition, you will need to pay the required application fee ($35.00, subject to change), pass an eye examination, have your picture taken, give a thumb print, and take the written test. You may miss no more than 8 of the 46 questions. If you miss 9 or more you must wait one week before taking the test again.
Step Three: Take Driver Training (Behind-the-Wheel)
Once you have your instruction permit, call A Plus Driving School LLC at 831-335-7210 to schedule your first behind the wheel lesson. Remember, your permit is not valid until you do your first behind the wheel lesson. A provisional instruction permit does not let you drive alone. If you or your parents have any questions, please call us at 831-335-7210.
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:
- Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time for the first twelve months.
- Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months.
You ARE permitted 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