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Driving School - Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the most frequently asked questions. This list is not all inclusive nor is it intended to be. If you have any questions, please contact your local Inspector or call (916) 229-3127.
How do I make a complaint against a driving school?
Complaints against driving schools can be made through the "Driving School and Traffic Violation School Complaint Unit ". This unit can be contacted two ways:
By Phone:
(916) 229-3154
or
In Writing:
Driving School and Traffic Violator School Complaint Unit
Occupational Licensing
P O Box 932342 L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
What information can the department give over the phone regarding driving schools?
The only information the department can give over the phone is the license and/or bond status of a driving school.
Does the department have something I can read about opening my own driving school?
Yes, you may call (916) 229-3127 and get a "Driving School Program Handbook - OL 210" or downloaded form our website at www.dmv.ca.gov
My son/daughter completed the drivers education and behind the wheel courses and was issued a completion certificate but lost it. How can he/she obtain a duplicate?
Duplicate certificates may be obtained from the driving school which issued the original certificate. If the school is out-of-business, a duplicate may be obtained from a DMV Inspector.
When can an instruction permit be issued for an individual between the ages of 15 and 15 ½?
Individuals who are between the ages of 15 and 15 ½ have much stricter guidelines for obtaining a permit than those between the ages of 15 ½ and 17 ½. To obtain a driving permit an applicant between the ages of 15 and 15 ½ must,
- be simultaneously enrolled in driver education and driver training, or
- completed driver education and enrolled in driver training.
What does the department need to show proof of enrollment?
Proof of enrollment can be shown in several ways: If driver education and driver training is being taken in the same semester, and the training is conducted by a public or private secondary school, a DL 391 can be filled out by the school and submitted by the student to the department as proof of enrollment.
- If applicant has completed driver education in a previous semester and now plans to take driver training from a public or private secondary school, the new DL 392 can be filled out by the school and submitted by the student to the department as proof of enrollment. This form tells the department that this individual has enrolled for a driver training course. The department will inform the individual that the driving permit is not valid until after the driver training course has begun.
- If applicant has completed driver education in a previous semester and goes to a private driving school for driver training (e.g., AAA Driving School), the school will complete the new OL 392, Certificate of Enrollment in Driver Training (other than secondary school). After the form is completely filled out by the school, the student can take this form to the department as proof of enrollment. This form tells the department that this individual has enrolled for a driver training course with your school. The department will inform the individual that the driving permit is not valid until after the driver training course has begun.
- When an individual visits a private driving school or public or private secondary school and signs up for driving training, the school should issue the proper form to show proof of enrollment (OL 392 for private driving school and DL 392 for secondary school). When the school provides the individual with a completed and signed form, the form provides proof of enrollment. After completion of driver education an individual between the ages of 15 to 15 ½ must "enroll" into a driver training class before the department will issue them a driving permit. An individual between the ages of 15 ½ and 17 ½ can bring their Driver Education Completion Certificate to the department, pass the written test, and they will be issued a driving permit.
When are student licenses issued?
- Student licenses can be issued to applicants 15 years of age or older. CVC Section 12660(a) and CCR Section 344.16.
- However, a student license cannot be issued to applicants under the ages of 17 years and six months unless the applicant can show proof of enrollment in, or satisfactory completion of an approved driving course in driver education. CVC Section 12660 (d)(2)
- Student licenses are not valid for more than one year from date of issuance. CCR Section 344.14(b)
- Student licenses shall be maintained by the authorized driving school which issued the student license, except when the student licensee is receiving driver training instruction. The student license must be maintained in the immediate possession of the student licensee while receiving driver training instruction. CCR Section 344.14(a)(1)
- Student licenses are only valid at the driving school which issued the student license. They are not transferable to another authorized driving school. CCR Section 344.14(c)
I do not currently issue student licenses. How do I get authorized to do so?
Driving schools currently licensed by the department and not on probation with the department, may apply to the department on OL form 804 for authorization to issue student licenses. CCR Section 344.12
Top of pageHow do I know if I have been approved to issue student licenses?
After review of the OL 804, the department will issue,
- a letter of approval. This letter of approval will contain an authorization statement and an acknowledgement of the persons designated in the application to issue student licenses.
- a notice of disapproval. This notice will state the reasons for the disapproval. CCR Section 344.12(b)
If I make any changes to the list of who is authorized to issue student licenses, must I notify the department?
Yes. Whenever the driving school makes any changes to the list of employees designated to issue student licenses, the school must complete Part B of OL 804 and submit it to the department within 5 working days of the change (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The department will forward an acknowledgement of the receipt of the updated listing. CCR Section 344.12(c)(1)
What types of disciplinary actions can the department impose on a licensee who violates a law?
All applicants are afforded due process by way of a hearing presided by an Administrative Law Judge.
Note: Upon completion of an administrative action, the action will be displayed as a prior action by the departrment. It is unlawful for the department to remove reference to prior administrative actions from any record.
Cancellation: The withdrawal or deprivation of the license due to a cause other than misconduct constituting a violation of occupational licensing law. ( Note: In some instances, an applicant may reapply when the condition or reason for cancellation is resolved.)
Fine: The imposition of a monetary penalty on the licensee due to misconduct constituting a violation of occupational licensing law.
Probation: The withdrawal of the permanent (vested) status of the license and the granting of a temporary license subject to terms and conditions.
Refusal: The decision of the Department to refuse to issue a license due to a failure to demonstrate entitlement to the license or a violation of occupational licensing law.
Revocation: The permanent withdrawal or deprivation of the privileges granted to the licensee due to misconduct constituting a violation of occupational licensing law. (Note: In most cases the respondent is eligible to reapply for the license after a period of not less than one year has elapsed from the effective date of the revocation.)
Stayed Revocation or Suspension: A revocation or period of suspension which is ordered but not immediately imposed for a period of time during which a probationary license is issued subject to terms and conditions.
Suspension: The temporary deprivation of the privileges granted to the licensee due to misconduct constituting a violation of occupational licensing law.