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

All occupational license applicants must create an online account and apply online – how-to videos and a quick start guide are available. If you experience technical issues or get locked out of your account, see technical support.

Have the following information and supporting documents ready to upload:

• Personal identifying information, employment, education, and conviction history.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Proof of age (must be 21 years old.
• Completed Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF) (original application only).
• Completed Physician’s Health Report (DL 546A) (PDF).
  • Exception: An applicant who is required to have and maintain a current Medical Examination Report (MER) (MCSA-5875) (PDF) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA-5876) (PDF) is excluded from this requirement.
• Copy of teaching credentials in driver education (DE).
• Letter from district or school confirming employment.
• 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:
  • Completed Safety Inspection Report, Vehicle Used for Instruction (OL 221A) (PDF) .
  • Completed Safety Inspection Report, Motorcycle Used for Instruction (OL 221M) (PDF).
  • Completed Driving School Insurance Certificate (OL 207) (PDF).

Independent Driving Instructor Examination

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

• Traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Safe operation of motor vehicles.
• First aid.
• Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques pertaining to the teaching of automobile driver education and driver training (DE/DT) to minors under 18.
• Driving school statutes and regulations pertaining to the teaching of automobile driver education and driver training (DE/DT) to minors under 18.

Renewal applicants may submit a certificate of completion for a department approved 18-hour continuous education program in lieu of passing the Independent Driving Instructor Examination.
Application and fees are valid for one year from submission date. If the application is not completed within the year, new application, fees, and exam will be required. If the exam is not passed in three attempts, new application, fees, and exam will be required.

Fees: Independent Driving Instructor License

Contact DMV if you are unable to submit online or additional information is required pertaining to Occupational Licensing.