Application Requirements for a Driving School Operator License
Background Investigation
A background investigation is conducted on all applicants. Failure to disclose any and all convictions requested on the application may result in the refusal or denial of your license. CVC Section 11106 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, functions, 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 1110.2, 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 Persons previously working under a license issued by DMV, which was revoked or suspended for cause may also be denied a license.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 this department in determining whether a license should be issued. CCR, Title 13, Chapter 1.
Requirements for a Driving School Operator’s License
The requirements for a driving school operator 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 school operator's license must:
- File an application with the department. CVC Sections 11100, CVC Section 11102, CVC Section 11104.5, CVC Section 11104.6, and CVC Section 11105
- Pay the required fees. CVC Section 11105.2 (b)
- Be the driving school owner or an employee of the school designated by the owner to operate the school. CVC Section 11102(a)
- Be 21 years of age or older. CVC Section 11105.2(a)(3)
- Have worked for an established licensed California driving school as a driving instructor for a period of not less than 2,000 hours of actual behind-the-wheel teaching. CVC Section 11102.5(a)(4)
- Have satisfactorily completed a course, after July 1, 1973, in the teaching of driver education and driver training acceptable to the department, OR be certified by the Department of Education as fully qualified to teach driver education and driver training, and have taught such subjects in the public school system for a period of not less than 1,000 hours. CVC Section 11102.5(a)(4)
- Pass the required written examination. CVC Section 11102.5(a)(1)
The requirements are defined in Vehicle Code Sections 310.8 and CVC Section 11102.5.
Click on the following links for the forms and fees related to the Driving School Operator's license.
Driving School Operator license application fees.
Driving School Operator license application forms.
Driving School Operator license renewal fees.
Driving School Operator license renewal forms.
Fees to change an existing Driving School Operator license.
Form(s) to change an existing Driving School Operator license.
Driving School Ooperator Examination Required
An applicant for a driving school operator license will be given an exam as follows:
A written test that covers:
- Traffic laws
- Safe driving practices
- Operation of motor vehicles
- Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques Regulations pertaining to the teaching of automobile driver education and driver training to minors under 18, pursuant to the Vehicle Code Section 12814.6 (a)(4)(B)
- Driving school statutes and regulations, business ethics, office procedures and elementary record keeping
If an applicant is a school owner/operator, a physical examination will be made of the established place of business and the instructional facilities.
The test is required every three years thereafter.