By: Whitney Tran
Are you an anxious teen wanting to learn how to drive, but not sure how to start? Well, you are in luck because I am here to give you some tips and advice!
Start Driver’s Education Course
(*If you are 17 ½ and older, you do NOT need to take a driver’s education course!)
If you are currently 15 ½ to 17 ½ years old, I recommend getting started on your driver’s education course as soon as possible. It takes a while to complete the course, and in fact, all driver education courses in California must be at least 30 hours. It will be a tedious process, but if you space out your time, it will be less of a hassle.
These online courses could be pricey, but I found one that is relatively cheap. Pasted is the link to the online course I took: https://www.californiadriveredcourse.com/course–option.aspx
1. Prepare for your permit written test
Once you have completed your driver’s education course, you will receive a pink certificate in the mail within two to three weeks. Make sure your name and address are spelled correctly. (*This does not apply to those who are 17 ½ and older.)
There are a lot of ways you could prepare for your permit test, but the most effective way for me, was taking practice tests. You can find these practice tests anywhere online. In fact, there are apps specifically made for you to practice! Once you feel like you have taken enough practice tests, and are prepared, go to the DMV to take your permit test! You do not have to make an appointment to take your permit test, but I highly recommend that you do. If you don’t, keep in mind that the DMV is always busy, so go early because the DMV does not monitor testing past 4:30 PM.
Here a list of things you must bring to take your permit test:
- One of your parents (if you are under 18)
- Proof of Identification
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Residential Address (your parent’s car insurance should be fine!)
2. Find a driving instructor
After you pass the written test, you must wait at least 6 months from the day you received your permit to take the behind the wheel test if you are under 18. I suggest that you find a driving instructor first because you need to complete 6 hours of driving before you are allowed to take the behind the wheel test. By law, you must complete at least 2 hours with a driving instructor before you are allowed to drive with your parents.
3. Practice! Practice!
Practice is key, especially for driving. Try to practice as much as possible with an adult that is at least 25 years old and that has a driver’s license. Practice on the things that you have trouble with. Trust me, practice makes perfect when it comes to driving!
4. Schedule for a behind-the-wheel-test!
If you want to schedule for a behind the wheel test, you will have to call the DMV. If it has not been 6 months since you have received your permit, you will not be able to make an appointment online. The number to call is 1-800-777-0133. Before you call, make sure you know your permit ID number (on your permit) and when/where you want to take your behind the wheel test!
5. Drive Safely!
Once you receive your license, that does not mean that you can start driving recklessly. Please be considerate of other drivers and make good decisions!