Making Orange County and Los Angeles County a better place - one safe driver at a time!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

***** CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY. ANAHEIM, YORBA LINDA AREAS, AND LAGUNA BEACH*****

DO I NEED A CAR TO TAKE DRIVING LESSONS?

Nope! You do not need a car to take the Behind-the-Wheel lessons with Safety 1st Driving School. We provide the training vehicle. Our instructors will pick you up and drop you off at your location indicated on your registration.

WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING VEHICLES DO YOU USE?

Safety 1st Driving School uses brand new Fiat 500 cars. These vehicles are extremely safe and offer a great and easy driving environment to make the lessons more pleasurable and easier. Please refer to our Fiat Safety Features page to learn all about Fiat’s amazing safety features. Our vehicles go through rigorous inspections to ensure our student’s safety.

CAN ANYONE TAKE DRIVING LESSONS?

Yes. Anyone can take our driving lessons to learn to drive and/or better their driving skills. The student must have a valid California Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License.

DO YOU TEACH SENIOR CITIZENS?

Yes, we have senior citizens programs specifically geared towards their specific needs. Call us for more details.

DO YOU OFFER ADDITIONAL DRIVING LESSONS?

Yes, based on students’ needs we offer additional lessons to make sure they are ready to drive, not just pass the test. Using our unique grading system, students’ true needs and weaknesses become very noticeable early throughout the lessons and based on the instructor’s recommendations additional lessons are provided to perfect the student’s driving abilities.

DOES YOUR ONLINE COURSE OR BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING PACKAGES EXPIRE?

The Online Course only expires once the course is completed by the student. However, the Behind-the-Wheel training portion of our packages expires 12 months from the date of purchase.

CAN YOU HELP WITH FREEWAY DRIVING?

Yes, our courses do include some freeway driving, usually during the student’s third lesson. Our experienced instructors make difficult learning situations easier. However, freeway driving is solely at the instructor’s discretion at the time of the third training session, based on the student’s level of driving ability.

MAY I (THE PARENT OR AN ADULT) RIDE ALONG WITH THE STUDENT WHILE DOING THE BEHIND-THE-WHEEL LESSONS?

It’s about safety. We strongly believe that having a third person in the vehicle creates a distraction for the student driver and the instructor. So we do not allow a third person in the vehicle. Parents will be informed of students’ progress via our electronic grading system or personally by your driving instructor.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU SCHEDULE YOUR DRIVING LESSONS?

We try our best to schedule the 1st lesson as soon as possible, based on the student’s schedule and our availability. We ONLY schedule one (1) lesson at a time and we space the lessons for about 6 to 8 weeks between each lesson. We do this so that the student can receive supervised driving with parents or any licensed driver 25 and over. Please call the office to schedule lessons after each lesson is completed.  Please note that after-school hours and weekends are highly competitive, and may take more than 3 weeks to secure an appointment during certain times of the year. Please schedule the third lesson before scheduling the DMV road test appointment to ensure that the student completes the 6 hours of driver training.

HOW MANY MILES DOES EACH DRIVING LESSON INCLUDE?

Although some driving schools tend to average about 15 miles per session, at Safety 1st Driving school we believe you learn by driving. Our lessons are designed to maximize your driving time so you can learn the most. On average, students will drive about 35 to 40 miles (sometimes even more) during each two-hour lesson. This is well above industry standards to help our students get ready for real-life driving.

DO YOU ALLOW INSTRUCTORS AND STUDENTS TO TAKE BREAKS DURING BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING SESSIONS?

Instructors and students are allowed to take 5 to 10-minute breaks during Behind-the-Wheel training sessions.

DO YOU TAKE MORE THAN ONE STUDENT IN THE VEHICLE DURING THE BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING SESSION?

At Safety 1st Driving School our lessons are completely private (one student, one instructor). We take our service and our jobs extremely seriously because our student’s road safety is our responsibility. We will take every measure possible to ensure our instructors are fully engaged and focused on one student at a time. However, occasionally, we may have an instructor trainee ride along for training purposes.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER I HAVE RECEIVED MY CALIFORNIA LEARNER’S PERMIT?

Once you have received your California Learner’s Permit, you should follow the following steps:

  • Begin your Behind-the-Wheel training course. California law requires minors to have six (6) hours of driver training from a driving school.
  • After the first 2 hours of training from us, start driving with your parents. State requirements are 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. (If parents are unable to provide supervised driving, Safety 1st Driving School offers special packages that include the 50 hours as well. Call us for more information.)
  • When you have completed all of the above and had your Permit for six (6) months, you may make an appointment to take the final driver license test at your local DMV field office.
  • PLEASE schedule your third lesson before you schedule your driving test at your local DMV.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO THE DMV TO GET MY CALIFORNIA DRIVER’S LICENSE?

Please take the following items to the DMV for your Behind-the-Wheel driver license test (Note: Also check with your local DMV to make sure all the required documents are updated).

  • Original certificate of completion for driver training (Form DL 400D). Note: Safety 1st Driving School provides this certificate.
  • Original learner’s permit.
  • Proof of insurance and registration of the vehicle. Without these, you will not be able to take your test.

CAN I TAKE ONE OF THE TRAINING VEHICLES TO THE DMV FOR MY BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TEST?

Yes, we do offer packages that would include using our training vehicles for your DMV test. Please refer to our website or call us for more details.

CAN I CONTACT THE SAFETY 1ST OFFICE IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Yes, you may contact the office during our regular business hours with any questions or concerns. We want you to know that we are here for you if you need us. You may also reach us via email at info@safety1stdriversed.com. Even after you have received your driver’s license we encourage you to keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Step 1. Complete our online driver’s education course

Register for our online driver education course. After you complete the required chapters and tests, we will then send you the DMV Certificate of Completion (DL387) that you can take to the DMV when you are ready to take the written test for your learner’s permit.

Our online driver ed course is available to all California residents. You can take our course at your own pace, in your own home in your own time.

Step 2. Study for the DMV written test

You will need to study for the DMV written permit test by reading through the DMV California Driver Handbook. It will benefit you if you take your time and study the handbook so you are comfortable with the information that will be on the test.

Take your time, you don’t want to have to go back to retake the test.

Step 3. Make an appointment at the DMV to take the written exam

It is important that you call ahead of time and schedule an appointment at the local DMV so you can go in and take the written test.

The lines at the DMV are usually very long so you don’t want to waste your time waiting in line. Make sure that you are well prepared for your appointment.

Most DMV’s are open Mondays through Fridays until 5 pm; Some are also open on Saturdays for a few hours so call ahead of time and see which date and times are best for you.

Step 4. Bring necessary documents to the DMV office

  • Complete the application form DL 44, remember the DMV always requires An original to be submitted. Copies will not be accepted in any form, so make sure you have exactly what you need. You can get this form from your local DMV.
  • Have your parents or guardians sign the application form DL 44.
  • Give your right thumbprint.
  • Have your picture taken.
  • Provide your social security #
  • Verify your birth date and legal residence
  • Submit the proper form(s) for Driver Education and/or Driver Training (see below for details)
  • Pay the $28.00 application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
  • Pass a vision exam, if you need glasses, wear them.
  • Pass a written test, there are 46 questions on the test.
  • You need a passing score of at least 39 correct answers.
  • You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

 

Driver Education and Driver Training Form Requirements:

If you are 15  years of age, you will need to bring with you:

  • Form DL 356 or OL 237 (Completion of Driver Education) with form DL 391 (Driver Training Enrollment ) if your school has a contract with a driving school.

OR

  • Form DL 356 or forms OL 237 and OL 238 (Completion of both Driver Education and Driver Training)

OR

  • Submit form DL 391 or OL 239 (Simultaneous Enrollment in Driver Education and Driver Training)

 

If you are over 15 but under 18 years of age, you will need to submit:

  • Form DL 356 or OL 237 (Completion of Driver Education)

OR

  • Form DL 391 or OL 239 (Simultaneous Enrollment in Driver Education and Driver Training)

 

If you are over 17  but under 18 years of age, you may get your permit without the driver education and driver training certificates however, you will not be able to take the driving test until you turn 18.

Once you pass your written test, you will be issued a provisional permit. You can be issued a permit at age 15, but you cannot take the driving test or be issued a driver’s license until you are 16 years of age.

A parent, guardian, spouse, or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver’s license, must be with you when you drive. They must sit in a position that allows them to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time.

Before being eligible to take the driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old
  • Have had your permit for a minimum of six months
  • Have completed driver education
  • Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver’s license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

 

If driver education and driver training were taken in a state other than California, DMV will accept either a Secondary Schools Other Than California Schools form DL 33 completed by the out-of-state school or a letter on the out-of-state school’s stationery signed by a school official stating that the courses are equivalent to California’s requirements. Instructional permits issued by another state are not acceptable

Step 5. Complete behind the wheel training

When you pass the written exam:

  • You are required to take your first 2 hours of behind the wheel training with a professional driving instructor.
  •  You may start behind the wheel training with your parent/guardian or other licensed drivers who are 25 years of age or older.
  •  You must further complete four (4) more hours of driving school instruction.
  • Complete fifty (50) additional hours of behind the wheel training with a parent/guardian or any other adult who is 25 years old or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify that you’ve had the 50 hours of practice. It is required that 10 of the 50 hours of training is done in the evening.

Step 6. Take the driving test at the DMV

To be eligible to take your driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old
  • Have had your permit for a minimum of six months
  • Have completed a driver education course
  • Have completed 6 hours of professional driver training
  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult who is 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
  • You will also need to show registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in.
  •  If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.
    • Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest fee is $6.00.
    • Motorcycle driving (behind-the-wheel) retest fee $6.00.

 

After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double-check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect.

If you have not received your license after 60 days, call (916) 657-7790 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

Step 7. Receive provisional license upon passing the driving test

After you pass the Driving Test, you will be issued a provisional license. Your license will have the following restrictions for the next year: During the first 12 months, you are licensed to drive you must be accompanied by a driver 25 years of age or older if you drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or if you have passengers under the age of 20 in the car at any time.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you become 18, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 5th birthday after the date you applied.