Start with the classroom.

Students under 18 must complete an approved Driver Education program before obtaining their California provisional instruction permit. California Driver Education consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction or an approved equivalent online/home-study program.

Danville Driving School students may complete:

In-Person Driver Education or Online Driver Education

After successfully completing Driver Education, students receive their Certificate of Completion of Driver Education. Bring this certificate when applying for the permit at the DMV.

Minimum age to apply for a provisional instruction permit: 15½.

Next stop: the DMV.

Before visiting the DMV, complete the California Driver License or ID Card Application. Applicants will also need to provide the required identity and residency documentation, pay the application fee, complete a vision screening, and pass the DMV knowledge test. A parent or guardian must approve the application for a minor.

Students should also have their Driver Education completion certificate available when applying for their permit.

Because documentation can vary depending on whether you are applying for a standard California license, REAL ID, or AB 60 license, always confirm the current requirements with the California DMV before your appointment.

California DMV — Instruction Permits

Permit in hand? You're ready for Danville Driving School.

Once the DMV issues your instruction permit, contact Danville Driving School so we can schedule your first behind-the-wheel lesson.

Have the student's name and permit information available when contacting our office.

Danville Driving School

(925) 837-8235

All professional driving lessons are scheduled through the DDS office.

Schedule Your First Lesson >>

One important step before practicing with a parent.

For a student under 18, receiving the permit from the DMV does not mean the student can immediately begin practicing with a parent.

The student must first begin behind-the-wheel training with a licensed professional driving instructor. After the student completes at least one hour of professional behind-the-wheel training, the instructor validates/signs the permit. The student may then begin supervised practice driving.

Don't drive before your permit is validated.

This is one of the most important steps for new drivers and their parents to understand.

Build skill. Build confidence. Practice consistently.

California requires minors to complete at least 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel driver training with a licensed driving school.

Danville Driving School combines professional instruction with continued practice at home so students can develop safe, confident driving skills for life.

After completing the required professional training, DDS provides the student's Certificate of Completion of Driver Training.

Professional lessons are only part of learning to drive.

Before taking the DMV drive test, a minor must complete at least:

50 hours of supervised driving practice

10 of those hours must be completed at night

6 hours of professional driver training must also be completed.

Supervised practice must meet California DMV requirements, including the applicable requirements for the supervising licensed adult. For minors, DMV guidance specifies a California-licensed driver age 25 or older for the required practice.

A parent or guardian certifies completion of the required practice on the student's instruction permit.

Ready for the road.

A student under 18 must be at least 16 years old and generally must have held the provisional instruction permit for at least six months before taking the DMV drive test.

Before scheduling the test, make sure the student has completed:

• Driver Education
• 6 hours of professional driver training
• 50 hours of supervised practice
• 10 hours of nighttime practice
• Minimum 6-month permit holding period

For the drive test, the vehicle must meet DMV requirements and the applicant must provide acceptable proof of financial responsibility (insurance).

The student should also have the properly completed instruction permit and proof of completion of required driver training. DMV specifically advises teens to confirm that the instructor and parent certifications on the permit are complete.