Application Requirements for an Independent Instructor License
PURPOSE
The purpose of this page is to assist the prospective independent instructor by describing the requirements to obtain an independent driving instructor license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT INSTRUCTOR?
An "independent driving instructor" is any person certified by the Department of Education, or any agency thereof, who teaches driving instruction, but is not an employee of a driving school. CVC Section 11100.5
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
A background investigation is conducted on all applicants. Failure to disclose convictions or providing incorrect information requested on the application may result in the refusal or denial of your license. The department may refuse to issue a license to any applicant who has been convicted of a crime or committed any act or engaged in any conduct involving moral turpitude which is substantially related to the qualifications or duties of the licensed activity. A conviction based on plea of nolo contendere is a conviction within the meaning of this section. CVC Section 11107, CVC Section 11110.1, CVC Section 11110.2, CVC Section 11110.5, and CVC Section 11110.7. Persons previously working under a license issued by DMV, which was revoked or suspended for cause may also be denied a license. In addition, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and other sections of the California Vehicle Code provides guidelines used by the department in determining whether a license should be issued. CCR, Title 13, Chapter 1.
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDEPENDENT DRIVING INSTRUCTOR'S LICENSE
The requirements for a Independent Driving Instructor's License can be found in CVC Section 11100 et seq. and CCR, Title 13, Article 4.6, Sections 340.00 et seq.
Every applicant for an independent driving instructor's license must:
- File an application with the department.
- Pay the required fees.
- Be employed as an accredited driver education or driver training teacher at a public or private secondary school at all times.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have a driving record which does not contain a suspended license, an outstanding notice for violating a written promise to appear in court or for willfully failing to pay a lawfully imposed fine.
- Be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
- Have satisfactorily completed a course in the teaching of driver education and driver training acceptable to the department.
- Pass the required written and driving examinations.
- Hold a valid California driver's license in a class appropriate for the type of vehicle in which instruction will be given.
- Submit a Medical Examination Report (DL 51) signed by a physician.
Effective October 1, 2004, DMV will accept only a Medical Examination Report (DL 51) with a revision date of 2/2004 or later, or a current medical form (containing the new blood pressure guidelines) approved by the Federal Highway Administration or the Federal Aviation Administration.
Additionally, every applicant for an independent instructor's license must meet all requirements of:
- Vehicle Code Section 11105.5. A license issued under this section permits instruction in any city with a population of less than 50,000, which does not have within it a licensed driving school. It does not permit instruction in counties with a population in excess of 400,000. In addition, an independent instructor must at all times be employed as an accredited teacher of automobile driver education or automobile driver training under the provision of the Education Code.
- Vehicle Code Section 11103. Requires an independent instructor to maintain insurance coverage at all times. Evidence of this coverage shall be submitted to the department with the application package.
Click on the following links for the forms and fees related to the Independent Instructor License.
Independent Instructor License application fees.
Independent Instructor License application forms.
Independent Instructor License renewal fees.
Independent Instructor License renewal forms.
Fees to change an existing Independent Instructor's License.
Form(s) to change an existing Independent Instructor's License.