Application Requirements for a Driving School Instructor License
Purpose
The purpose of this page is to assist the prospective driving school instructor by describing the requirements to obtain a license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What is a Driving Instructor?
A "driving instructor" is an employee of a driving school that provides driving instruction for compensation. CVC Section 310.4.
Background Investigation
A background investigation is conducted on all applicants. Failure to disclose convictions or providing incorrect information requested on the application may result in the refusal or denial of your license. The department may refuse to issue a license to any applicant who has been convicted of a crime or committed any act or engaged in any conduct involving moral turpitude which is substantially related to the qualifications or duties of the licensed activity. A conviction based on plea of nolo contendere is a conviction within the meaning of this section. CVC Section 11107, CVC Section 11110.1, CVC Section 11110.2, CVC Section 11110.5, and CVC Section 11110.7. Persons previously working under a license issued by DMV, which was revoked or suspended for cause may also be denied a license. In addition, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and other sections of the California Vehicle Code provides guidelines used by the department in determining whether a license should be issued. CCR, Title 13, Chapter 1.
Requirements for a Driving Instructor's License
The requirements for a Driving Instructor's License can be found in CVC Section 11100 et seq. and CCR, Title 13, Article 4.6, Sections 340.00 et seq.
Every applicant for a driving instructor's license must:
- File an application with the department. CVC Section 11100 and CVC Section 11104.5, CVC Section 11104.6, and CVC Section 11105.1
- Pay the required fees. CVC Section 11105.2(c)
- Be employed by a licensed driving school. CCR, Title 13, Section 340.00 (b)
- Be 21 years of age or older. CVC Section 11104 (a)(7)
- Not be on probation to the department as a negligent operator. CVC Section 11104 (a)(5)
- Have a driving record which does not contain a revoked license, an outstanding notice for violating a written promise to appear in court or for willfully failing to pay a lawfully imposed fine. CVC Section 11104 (a)(6)
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent. CVC Section 11104 (a)(1)
- Have satisfactorily completed a course in the teaching of driver education and driver training acceptable to the department. CVC Section 11104 (a)(1)
- Pass the required written examination. CVC Section 11104 (a)(2)
- Hold a valid California driver's license in a class appropriate for the type of vehicle in which instruction will be given. CVC Section 11104 (a)(4)
Note: The qualifying requirements in this section shall be met within one year from the date of application for a license, or a new application, examination, and fee shall be required.
Click on the following links for the forms and fees related to the Driving Instructor license.
- Driving Instructor license application fees.
- Driving Instructor license application forms.
- Driving Instructor license renewal fees.
- Driving Instructor license renewal forms.
- Fees to change an existing Driving Instructors license.
- Form(s) to change an existing Driving Instructors license.
- Frequently Asked Questions.
- Licensing Authority
Driving Instructor Examination
A driving instructor license exam contains the following:
A written test covering:
- Traffic laws
- Safe driving practices
- Operation of motor vehicles
- Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques
- First Aid
- Regulations pertaining to the teaching of automobile driver education and driver training to minors under 18, pursuant to CVC Section 12814.6 (a)(4)(B)