Driver Education and Driver Training

Good driver education (classroom instruction) and driver training (actual behind-the-wheel instruction) are important because they are the foundation for the skills and attitudes you will use for the rest of your life. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes you learn in driver education/training classes will help you avoid traffic tickets, lower your chances of being involved in accidents, and make you a safer driver.

You may take driver education or driver training at a public or private high school, or at a state licensed driving school.

Minimum Requirements

Driver Education must consist of at least:

• 25 hours of classroom instruction. The 25-hour minimum does not include breaks or meal times.
• Home study or an Internet training program. If you choose home study or an Internet training program, it must be the equivalent of the requirements for classroom instruction.

Driver Training must consist of at least:

• 6 hours of driver training.
• The driver training cannot exceed two hours per day. If you are in the car and observing another driver, that time does not count toward the 6 hours you need for the required behind-the-wheel driver training.

DMV's Driver Education Curriculum

Check out DMV's online driver education curriculum. It can assist you with any questions you may have on a particular subject such as driving responsibilities, accidents-causes and prevention, and alcohol and drugs. You can also review all of California's road signs.

• Driver Education Curriculum

Tips for Selecting a Driving School

• Choose a driving school in an area you are familiar with. It is easier to learn to drive when you know the streets.
• Ask your friends who are already driving where they went and find out information about the school and its instructors.
• Fast Facts 33 - Selecting a Driving School