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Drivers Ed

Get the Keys! Learn to drive!

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California online driving class, practice tests, and other tips for teens to learn how to get a permit and California drivers license to be allowed to drive.


How to apply for a provisional permit if you are under 18

Teen Driver Roadmap
Are you age 15 to 17-1/2? Discover the path from learner’s permit to licensed driver and beyond.
Here are some driving schools in nearby Silicon Valley cities.

The Best 10 Driving Schools in San Jose, CA
Learn to drive and qualify for a license in four weekend days. Teen program available. Read reviews in Yelp from students who have taken the driving lessons with each company.

Step 2

  • Call the DMV field office nearest you and make an appointment to take the written test.

Wait times available on these links below for the office and the ones nearest it.

Fremont DMV Field Office
4287 Central Ave., Fremont, CA 94536

Los Gatos DMV Field Office
600 N Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030

Mountain View IBC
595 Showers Dr., Mountain View, CA 94040

San Jose DMV Field Office
111 W. Alma Ave., Ssan Jose, CA 95110

Santa Clara DMV Field Office
3665 Flora Vista Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Santa Teresa DMV Field Office
180 Martinvale Lane, San Jose, CA 95119. Frequently has the shortest wait times.

Step 3

Be prepared with proper identification documents, proof of insurance, for the vision screening, and for the photograph.

How to Apply For a Social Security Card
If you need to replace a lost Social Security card, change the name shown on your card, or request a replacement card, you need to complete Form SS-5 which is available for download. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213.

Step 4

  • Study the Drivers Handbook

California Driver Handbook and Motorcycle Handbook, and others.
You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV. Available in many languages.

You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV.

California Drivers Test
Interactive sample driving test online, if you have Java-enabled browser. Answer sheet available for those who don’t. From DMV site. Available in many languages.

Step 5

What to expect at the DMV when you show up to take the written test.

  • Have all the forms mentioned in Step 2 with you plus the certificate awarded when you passed the drivers ed course.
  • Have your picture taken (Where to get a haircut in Milpitas.) This photo will be your primary identification for 4 years, so try to make it look great.
  • Pay the application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
  • Pass a vision exam (Eye care specialists in Milpitas.)
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Step 6

Get the Keys! Learn to drive!
Get the Keys! Learn to drive!

Congratulations! You passed the written test! What do you do for the next 6 months?

  • Locate a driving school and take the three 2-hour sessions of on-road instruction.

Driving School Association of California
Locate a driving school, safe driving tips, traffic schools, practice tests, insurance rates for new drivers.

  • Begin your on road driving lessons with your parent or guardian or other licensed driver 25 years old or older.
  • Complete 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
  • Learn all you can on how to be the best driver you can be.
  • Learn how to take care of the car entrusted to you.

Articles on Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Learn about Road Rage and how to defuse it. By Dr.Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl.

Free DMV Practice Test for California Permit
Good driving habits that hold true on every highway.

New Driving Laws
The following are bills signed into law by the governor which have the most significant impact on the department.

Scooter Safety
Here are a few easily digestible guidelines for scooter safety that everyone who uses scooters should observe.

Teen New Drivers’ Homepage
Advice from one teenager to others. Some advice adults would probably not think to point out, such as how to best navigate a school parking lot, or that it is best not to hit a school bus. Look out for anything to do with the mail. If there’s one deer there’s bound to be another.

Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving on roads and highways in the snowcapped mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The CHP provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.

Step 7

Before being eligible to take your driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old

AND

  • Have possessed your permit for a minimum of six months

AND

AND

AND

  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

You will also need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in.

After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call (916) 657-7790 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.

Step 8

Congratulations! You passed the road test! You have been issued a provisional license, which has these restrictions for the next year.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you become 18, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 4th birthday after the date you applied.

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