Driving School in Orange County for Teen Drivers

The first step is online or in-class driver’s education. You are eligible to begin this step of the process at 15 years of age. In addition to the driver’s education course you will need to read through the California Driver’s Handbook provided by the DMV.

This driver’s ed course will provide you with the background driving knowledge you will need to pass your written permit test at the DMV. Upon completion of the course you will be provided a certificate of completion that you will need to present to the DMV on the day of your test.

The course is divided into 11 chapters of reading, videos and interactive activities. There is a quiz at the end of each chapter to ensure you are learning from the materials and prep your for your DMV exam. The course offers 30 hours of instructional materials and can be completed at your own pace.

This is what your certificate of completion will look like. Make sure that you take it with you to the DMV for your test to show that you’ve completed your required driver’s education course.

Your online or in-class driver education course is a large part of preparing for your written permit test. Don’t forget you will also need to read through the California Driver’s Handbook before taking your test.

It is important that you schedule your permit test appointment ahead of time. A few local DMVs conveniently offer appointments on Saturdays. If you do not have an appointment, some local DMVs will accept walk ins for the permit test. The lines at the DMV can be very long and you may have to wait for an extended period of time if you do not have an appointment. You can schedule an appointment by phone at (800) 777-0133 or online.

Make sure that you are well prepared for your appointment. You will be required to:

• Complete the application form DL 44, remember the DMV always requires original documents – no copies. You can get this form from your local DMV.
• Have your parents’ or guardians’ sign on the application form DL 44
• Provide your right thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your Social Security Number
  • If applicable, take your Social Security Card with you to the DMV. New laws pertaining to the REAL ID require proof of your social security number.
• Verify your birth date and legal residence
  • Identity Documents: You will be required to prove your Identity by providing a valid identity document.
  • Residency Documents: You will be required to prove your California residency by providing 2 residency documents.
• Submit proof of completion of your Driver Education Course
• Pay the $33.00 application fee.
  • The fee is good for 12 months. (If all requirements are not met within 12 months, the application will no longer be valid and you must reapply.)
  • Allows you three (3) attempts to pass each of the required knowledge tests. (If you fail the same knowledge test three (3) times the application will no longer be valid and you must reapply.)
  • Allows you three (3) attempts at the driving test.
    Important: If you fail the driving test, you must pay a retest fee of $7 for subsequent test(s). You must wait 14 days (2 weeks), not including the day the test was failed, before you are retested. If you fail the driving test three (3) times, the application will no longer be valid and you must reapply.
• Pass a vision exam, if you need glasses, wear them.
• Pass a written test, there are 46 questions on the test. You need a passing score of 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.

Helpful Links:

Permit Information

Practice Tests

Schedule Appointment

Saturday Appointments

When you pass the written exam they DMV will provide you a permit that same day. Note that your permit is not valid until you complete your first 2 hour lesson with a licensed driving instructor. Upon completion of that lesson, your instructor will sign your permit which will allow you to start practicing with a parent and/or guardian that is 25 years or older with a valid California license. In total, will be required to complete a minimum of 6 hours with a licensed driving school.

You must also complete fifty (50) hours of practice behind the wheel with your parent and/or guardian. Ten (10) of those total 50 hours must be completed at night. In addition, you are required to hold your permit for 6 months from the date that you received it to be eligible to take your behind the wheel license test at the DMV.

What we do at I Passed Driving School is spread your three 2 hour lessons out over your required 6 month waiting period – one as soon as possible, one in the middle, and one right before your DMV test. That way you are completing your practice with your parent/ guardian and your instructor.

At the end of your final lesson with your instructor, you will receive a Certificate of Completion (Form DL400D) which you will need to take with you to the DMV to take your behind the wheel license test. Here is what your Certificate of Completion will look like:

Helpful Links:

Parent-Teen Training Guide

Teen Driving Log

Make sure to schedule your behind the wheel license test in advance. The DMV does not accept walk-ins for behind the wheel driving tests – appointments are required. You can schedule an appointment by phone at (800) 777-0133 or online. You are able to schedule up to 90 days (3 months) in advance for all DMV appointments. Take advantage of this and get your appointment scheduled for a date, time, and location that works for you!

Things to take with you to your Behind-the-Wheel license test:

• An acceptable vehicle
• Registration and Insurance
• A driver who is 25 years old or older and has a valid California driver license
• Your permit that has been signed by your driving instructor
• Your permit that has been signed by your parent verifying the 50 hours of training
• Your Certificate of Completion of Online or In-Class Driver Education (Form DL 400C)
• Your Certificate of Completion of Driver Training (Form DL 400D)

On your driving test you can expect to go over most, if not all, of the following driving situations:

• Left and right turns
• Stops at controlled and uncontrolled intersections
• Backing along a curb
• Lane changes
• Driving in regular street traffic

Your examiner will begin by asking you some questions about your knowledge of the vehicle. You can then expect your drive test to last about 20 minutes depending on the DMV location and route used. Many drivers don’t pass the test simply because they haven’t had enough practice (or enough of the correct practice) or they simply get nervous and make mistakes.

If you do not pass your test you will need to wait 14 days (2 weeks), not including the day the test was failed, before taking another driving test. You will also be required to pay a retest fee of $8. If you do pass your test you will be provided a temporary license until your official license comes in the mail.

Helpful Links:

Schedule Appointment

Preparing For Your Test

Requirement Checklist

Congratulations! You’re a licensed driver!

Remember, there are still some rules that you will be required to abide by even after getting your license:

During the first 12 months of having a license, a minor cannot:

• Drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Transport passengers under 20 years unless accompanied by a licensed:
  • Parent or guardian
  • California driver 25 years old or older
  • Or certified driving instructor

It is against the law for drivers under 18 years old to use a cellphone or other wireless electronic communication device while driving, including a hands-free device, unless making a call for emergency services or on private property.