Parent info
Learning to drive is exciting, and it can feel overwhelming. Since 1996 we've helped thousands of Davis teens become safe, confident drivers. Here's how the process works.
Your road to a California license
Four stops for drivers under 18. We'll guide you from the first online lesson to test day.
Online Driver's Ed
Finish our DMV-approved course at your own pace and get your Certificate of Completion (DL 400C).
Learner's permit
Pass the DMV knowledge test. Your permit becomes valid after your first lesson with a licensed instructor.
Behind the wheel
Six hours of one-on-one lessons with us, plus 50 hours of practice with an adult 25+, including 10 at night.
Drive test
At 16, after holding your permit 6 months, take the test. Use our car for it if you like.
The details, step by step
Step 1: Complete Driver's Ed
Students under 18 must complete a California DMV-approved driver education course before applying for a learner's permit. Our online course can be done at your own pace. When you finish, you'll receive your Certificate of Completion (DL 400C).
Step 2: Apply for a learner's permit
Schedule a DMV appointment and bring the required documents. The DMV will:
- Verify your identity and residency
- Ask for your Social Security Number, if applicable
- Give you a vision screening
- Take your photo and thumbprint
- Collect the application fee
- Give you the knowledge (written) test
Important: your permit is not valid until your first behind-the-wheel lesson with a DMV-licensed instructor, who signs it. Until then, you may not practice driving. Permit holders may never drive alone.
Step 3: Behind-the-wheel training
Drivers under 18 must complete six hours of professional instruction with a DMV-licensed school, plus 50 hours of supervised practice with a licensed adult 25 or older. At least 10 of those hours must be at night.
We recommend:
- Take your first lesson soon after you get your permit, to activate it.
- Practice about 25 hours before your second lesson.
- Practice the remaining hours before your third lesson.
- Schedule your final lesson one to two weeks before your drive test.
Step 4: Take the DMV driving test
Before your test you must be at least 16, have held your permit for six months, and have finished all six professional hours and your 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night.
Can parents ride along during lessons?
Lessons are one-on-one between the student and the instructor. Call or text us if you have questions about your teen's progress.
Ready to get behind the wheel?
Book online, or text us and we'll find a lesson time that works.