California Driving Lessons FAQ

The process of earning your license in California might feel tricky, but you've got DriversEd.com on your side! Check below for answers to questions nearly everyone asks about online drivers education, behind the wheel training, and California-specific requirements.

How It Works

Do I need to take in-car driving lessons?

Yup, if you're between 15 and 18 years old! In order to earn your license, the state of California requires you to take at least six hours of in-car driving lessons with a licensed driving instructor in a DMV-approved program.

And if you are 18 and older, probably. You're not required to complete behind-the-wheel training as an adult, but you will be a safer, more confident driver if you learn with a professional. Plus, you'll know everything you need to in order to pass your DMV driving test.

Why should I take driving lessons if I'm an adult?

Adults take driving lessons for many reasons, including:

To earn a first drivers license as someone who has recently moved to California or as someone who has never had a drivers license before.
New to California and wanting to practice driving in heavier traffic or on California roadways.
To pass a DMV driving test in order to renew a drivers license.
To brush up on driving skills to be a safer, better driver.

Whatever your goals, our in-car driving lessons ensure you have the necessary basic driving skills you need, the road skills the DMV will test you on during your driving skills test, and the essential defensive driving skills to be a safe driver in California.

I've completed my drivers education class. What's next?

Then it's time for six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving school. After you've completed the drivers ed online class, you can take the written permit test and earn your driving permit at the DMV.

If you're under 18 and don't have time to go into the DMV now, and would like to start your in-car driving lessons, you'll want to consider student licensing.

What if I already have a license only want to brush up on my driving skills?

DriversEd.com’s partner driving lessons can be tailored to your driving level and exact needs. Our licensed instructors work with you, coaching you for as many hours as needed to help you gain the driving skills you need.

How do in-car driving lessons work?

There are two options available to teenagers (if you're an adult, you don't need a permit):

The Permit Option (15.5 to 18 years old)

After you complete drivers education you can go to the DMV and take your permit test. After, you can schedule your 6 hours of in-car training with our partners.

The Student License Option (15 years or older)

Once you complete drivers education, you can still start in-car driving lessons now even without a permit.

Some teens find it hard to find time to go to the DMV to take their written permit test. If you're in the same boat or if you simply want to save yourself a visit to the DMV, you can start drivers training right away through student licensing.

DriversEd.com is one of a few schools in California authorized by the DMV to issue student licenses to individuals who meet the following requirements:

Be at least 15 years old (and provide proof of birth date). If you're under 18, have completed a drivers education course and received a Certificate of Completion.
Pass vision and hearing tests (administered by one of our instructors).
Pass a rules of the road test (administered by one of our instructors).

Please note: a student license allows you to drive only with a licensed instructor and not with your parents or guardians.

During your last lesson, we'll give you a practice driving test to assess your skills behind the wheel and to make sure you're on your way to being ready for the real driving test. Remember, six hours isn't enough to perfect your driving skills — it's just the state requirement — you'll need to practice driving with a licensed instructor.

For Adults

Because everyone has different reasons for taking drivers training, we first find out what you want to gain from in-car driving lessons.

Our experienced instructors will then quickly evaluate your skill level and outline a training program that will help you achieve your driving goals. Each driving lesson is 2 hours long, and you can pay for as many lessons as you like.

Our instructors are always up to date on the latest innovations in crash avoidance, braking, and driving safety. With our in-car driving lessons, you'll learn the safe-driving skills needed to become a better driver and/or pass your DMV driving skills test.

California Driving Lesson Information

How many hours of in-car driving lessons do I need to earn my license? What is the recommended length of time?

If you are under 18, you will need six hours of professional drivers training before you can take your DMV driving test.

A single driving lesson is 2 hours. How many hours you require depends on your goals, driving skills, and comfort level on the road.

If you are over 18, no in-car driving lessons are required by California. But we sure do recommend them. Most adult drivers require anywhere from 4-12 hours depending on their special needs.

Do I need to sign up for all six hours of in-car driving lessons right away?

Not at all. Packages contain 6 hours of lessons, however, you may schedule your 2-hour lessons in advanced, or scheduled as needed based on what works for you.

What if I'm not ready for heavy traffic or nervous about going too fast?

Our partners’ experienced and patient instructors will ensure that you learn at a pace that is comfortable and that challenges your driving skills.

What driving skills can I learn or work on improving?

During your DMV driving skills test, there are several skills that you will be expected to perform competently. These driving skills are not only useful for passing your test but for maneuvering California roads and all drivers should be able to perform them.

You'll learn to drive with licensed instructors who will patiently teach you:

Basic maneuvers
Safety procedures and devices
Entering traffic safely
Lane position and sharing the road
Turning and intersections
Adjusting to traffic flow
Parking and backing maneuvers
Freeways and multi-lane roads
And more where that came from!

Pricing and Payment

How much are your in-car driving lessons?

The price of in-car driving lessons will vary by area and depends on the local cost of gas and insurance. To find out how much in-car driving lessons are in your area, click here and enter your zip code.

How do I make a Payment?

You can pay online using VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Google Pay. Please note that prepaid debit/gift cards issued by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Chime, CashApp, etc. cannot be used to make a payment.

What is DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance?

At DriversEd.com, we are here for you every step of the way - that's why we've teamed up with Allstate Roadside Services to provide DriversEd.com students with 1 month of free roadside assistance. Turns out you can put a price tag on peace of mind!

Here's how it works:

Sign up for any DriversEd.com Drivers Ed course.
During checkout, make sure to click the button to claim your free trial of Roadside Assistance. Free trial enrollment is only available during checkout. After your trial ends, your card will be charged $5/month, and you can cancel at any time.
Hit the road with peace of mind knowing you are covered with emergency roadside assistance.

What you'll get:

Roadside coverage available 24/7, anywhere in the United States
Anyone in the DriversEd.com driver's family can use it!
Digital tools to help you get the right service fast
Towing, fuel delivery, lockout service, and more!
For more information about the benefits involved, check out our terms and conditions.

How do I use my Roadside Assistance service?

If you need to use your Roadside Assistance Benefits for towing, fuel delivery, or another included service, contact Allstate at 1-855-520-3691.

How do I cancel my DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance?

If you would like to cancel your Roadside Assistance, simply contact our dedicated Roadside Assistance agents.

Got more questions? Contact our dedicated DriversEd.com Roadside Assistance line:

Phone: +1 (888) 289-2816
Email: roadside@driversed.com

Refund Policy

It is important to us that you are satisfied with your purchase. If you change your mind about the course, we'll refund the full cost of the course purchased on our website within thirty (30) days of purchase. Refunds will only be issued if the course has not been completed. We will issue your refund within thirty (30) days of your request.