How to Apply for a Driving School Operator 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.
• Proof of age (must be at least 21 years old).
• Completed Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF) (original application only).
• Certification of completing 2,000 hours of behind-the-wheel teaching from a licensed California driving school (original application only – not required for internet-only driving schools).
• Certification of completing 60 hours of driving school operator training (original application only – internet-only providers).

Driving School Operator Examination

As part of your application, you will take a written exam that covers:

• Traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Safe operation of motor vehicles.
• Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques pertaining to the teaching of automobile driver education and driver training (DE/DT) to minors under 18.
• Driving school statutes and regulations, business ethics, office procedures, and elementary record keeping.

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

Fees: Driving School Operator License

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