Selecting a Driving School - Preparing Your Teenager for Driver Education and Training

Driver Education

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) knows that it is important for you to obtain the best classroom driver education and behind-the-wheel driver training for your teenager.

California law requires a person under the age of 18 to complete one of the following classroom driver education courses:

• 25 hours of classroom instruction (not including breaks or time for meals).
• Home study or Internet training program (must be equivalent to classroom instruction requirements).

Do driving schools provide videos or movies as part of the driver education curriculum?

Yes. Driving schools must provide at least 100 minutes of actual viewing time. The videos or movies must relate to the driver education program and may contain graphic scenes of traffic accidents.

How long does it take to complete a driver education program?

The time it takes to complete a driver education program depends on the number of hours your teenager attends the class or spends studying the educational material. You may request a copy of the school's program schedule.

Behind-The-Wheel-Training

Your teenager must complete six hours of actual behind-the-wheel (controlling the vehicle) training that does not exceed two hours per day. Observation time does not count toward the six hours of required training time.

Is more than one student allowed in the vehicle during a behind-the-wheel training session?

Yes, however the student who is actually behind-the-wheel and controlling the vehicle is the one who receives training credit. A session may begin with the instructor asking your child to drive another student home. You may request that your teenager receive training alone if you are uncomfortable with having other students in the vehicle.

Can I request a male or female instructor?

Yes, however each driving school establishes its own policies and may not be able to satisfy your request.

How long does it take to complete a behind-the-wheel training program?

Usually, driving schools schedule behind-the-wheel training sessions over a period of six months. The school may schedule the final session just before your teenager has an appointment to take a DMV driving test.

May I ride along with my teenager during behind-the-wheel training sessions?

Each driving school establishes its own business practices. Many schools will not allow you to accompany your teenager during behind-the-wheel training sessions.

Does the driving school have a specific route to follow during the behind-the-wheel training sessions?

Most driving schools do not establish specific training routes. You may ask the school to tell you where your teenager will be driving during the training session.

Are the instructors allowed to take breaks or do personal business during behind-the-wheel training sessions?

No. Behind-the-wheel training time should be used for instruction only.

May I request specific drop-off or pick-up locations for the training sessions?

Each driving school establishes its own business practices. If the school is willing to make arrangements you should be on-time when you drop-off and pick-up your teenager.

What type of vehicle will the driving school use for training?

Driving schools do not have to use a certain type of vehicle. The vehicles are equipped with dual controls; an instructor foot brake, and an additional rear view mirror. If you have concerns about the school's training vehicles, you should express those concerns before your teenager's first lesson.

Do the training vehicles undergo a safety inspection?

 All behind-the-wheel training vehicles must undergo a yearly inspection. The inspection helps to ensure that the vehicle is in safe and proper mechanical condition.

Are the training vehicles insured?

Yes. Driving schools must maintain required bodily injury and property damage liability insurance on all training vehicles.

Tips for Selecting a Driving School

All driving school operators and instructors should be professional, courteous, respectful, and emphasize safety and integrity. Driving school personnel should avoid any physical contact with your teenager, except in an emergency.

The following tips and information will assist you in choosing a driving school:

• Check the driving school's license status by going here.
• Check the driving school instructor's license status by calling DMV at (916) 229-3127.
• Contact your local Better Business Bureau for any complaints that may be filed against the school.
• Compare tuition costs between driving schools and ask if there are any additional fees or charges. Always have a clear understanding of all expenses.
• Retain copies of all receipts, contracts, and other school documents.
• Ask for the instructor's cell phone number (if available) in case of an emergency.
• If your teenager's instructor is not satisfactory, request that another instructor be assigned to train your child.
• Ask about the school's policy for canceling or rescheduling a behind-the-wheel training session.

Helpful Publications

The Parent-Teen Training Aid (PDF) will help you and your teenager understand the education/training requirements and driving restrictions for drivers under the age of 18.

You may study the rules of the road and prepare for a DMV driving test by reviewing the California Driver Handbook, and the pamphlet, How to Prepare for Your Driving Test (FFDL 22).

All of these publications are available on the DMV (Internet) Website at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

The Complaint Process

DMV will assist with any complaints that you may have against a DMV-licensed driving school. If you wish to file a complaint, you should complete a Driving School and Traffic Violator School Complaint form (OL 620).

FFDL 33 - New 9/2005