How to Apply for a Driving School 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:

• Employing driving school business license number.
• Personal identifying information, employment, education, and conviction history.
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Proof of age (must be at least 21 years old).
• Completed Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF) (original application only).
• Completed Physician’s Health Report DL 546A (PDF) form.
  • Exception: An applicant who is required to have and maintain a current Medical Examination Report (MER) (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) (MCSA-5876) is excluded from this requirement.
• Certification of completing 60 hours of driving school operator training (Internet-Only providers).
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent document (official transcript, diploma, or GED), certified translation required if not in English.
• If employed by more than one driving school, a letter from each employer acknowledging that the instructor will be employed by all schools listed.

Driving School Instructor Examination

As part of your original 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.
• Driving school statutes and regulations pertaining to the teaching of automobile driver education and driver training (DE/DT) to minors.

Renewal applicants may submit a certificate of completion for a department approved 18-hour continuous education program in lieu of passing a Driving School 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, fee, and exam will be required.

Fees: Driving School Instructor License

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