In cities with a population of less than 50,000 people and no licensed driving school, we license independent driving instructors to teach others how to operate a motor vehicle. The city must be located in a county with a population of less than 400,000 and the instructor must be employed as an accredited teacher of automobile driver education or automobile driver training under the provisions of the Education Code (EC) and the California Vehicle Code (CVC) §11105.5.

How to Apply for an Independent Driving Instructor License

To apply for your license, submit the following:

• Application for Driver Instructor and All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Instructor License (OL 16I).
• Physician’s Health Report (DL 546A). An original DL 546A form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.
  • Exception: An applicant who is required to have and maintain a current Medical Examination Report (MER) (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA-5876) is excluded from this requirement.
• Submit to fingerprinting at an Authorized Live Scan location and complete a Request for Live Scan Clearance (DMV 8016).
• Valid California driver license in the applicable class.
• Copy of teaching credentials in driver education (DE).
• Letter from district or school confirming employment.
• Driving school instructor examination.
• Proof that the city population you are instructing in is less than 50,000.
• Proof that the county population you are instructing in is less than 400,000.
• If you are offering behind-the-wheel instruction:
  • Safety Inspection Report, Vehicle Used for Instruction (OL 221A) (annually).
  • Safety Inspection Report, Motorcycle Used for Instruction (OL 221M).
  • Driving School Insurance Certificate (OL 207).

Once you have completed these forms and collected all documents, schedule an appointment at a local DMV inspector office to submit you paperwork and fees, and complete a written examination. You have three attempts to pass the written examination.

You must complete your application within one year or a new application with all examinations and fees will be required.

Fees

• $30 nonrefundable application fee
• $1 family support program
• $30 additional license fee
• $30 reinstatement license fee (if applicable)
• $15 duplicate or replacement license fee (if applicable)
• $15 transfer of license fee (if applicable)

Independent Driving Instructor Examination

As part of your application, you will take a written exam that covers:

• 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 (DE/DT) to minors under 18.

The test is required every three years.

How to Renew an Independent Driving Instructor License

To renew your license, submit the following:

• Application for Driver Instructor and All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Instructor License (OL 16I).
• Physician’s Health Report (DL 546A). An original DL 546A form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.
  • Exception: An applicant who is required to have and maintain a current Medical Examination Report (MER) (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA-5876) is excluded from this requirement.
• Valid California driver license in the applicable class.
• Copy of teaching credentials in DE.
• Letter from district or school confirming employment.
• Driving school instructor examination or certificate of completion for a department approved 18 hour continuous education program.
• Proof that the city population you are instructing in is less than 50,000.
• Proof that the county population you are instructing in is less than 400,000.
• If you are offering behind-the-wheel instruction:
  • Safety Inspection Report, Vehicle Used for Instruction (OL 221A) (annually).
  • Safety Inspection Report, Motorcycle Used for Instruction (OL 221M).
  • Driving School Insurance Certificate (OL 207).

Once you have completed these forms and collected all documents, schedule an appointment at a local DMV inspector office to submit you paperwork and fees, and complete a written examination if required. You have three attempts to pass the written examination.

Fees

• $30 renewal application fee
• $1 family support program

How to Modify an Independent Driving Instructor License

To modify an existing license, complete and submit the appropriate form listed on the Driving School & All-Terrain School License Modifications.