How Many Hours Does California Require For Drivers Training?

Before applying to get your driver's license in the state of California, there are certain criteria you must do first, which includes taking a drivers ed course and getting behind-the-wheel drivers training.

A lot of teens and parents come to us with this question: How many hours of driving do you need in the state of California? It can be a confusing situation to navigate, so we'll break it down for you here.

The First Step: Drivers Ed Program

Before any driving will take place, you must first complete a driver's education program (known as Drivers Ed). How many hours of Drivers Ed do you need?

In California, it would be a 30-hour course, which Coastline Academy offers an online course for everyone and it is a DMV-certified program. This is required before moving on to the next step.

The Next Step: Getting Behind The Wheel

After completing the drivers ed course and passing your written test at the DMV, you are now ready to begin behind-the-wheel training. How many hours do you need to get your license?

In order to apply for your provisional drivers license, the California DMV requires you to complete six hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved professional driving instructor. Coastline offers driving lessons throughout the state of California. The six hours needs to be broken down into three 2-hour lessons and cannot be completed in one lesson.

Once you have completed your first driving lesson with an instructor, you can drive with a parent, guardian or an adult who is at least 25 years old and has a valid drivers license. You will need to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving with this person (in addition to your six hours with a professional driving instructor). Of those 50 hours, 10 of them must be completed at night.

How Many Driving Hours Do I Need?

So, how many hours of behind-the-wheel training is required in California? When all is said and done, you will have completed at least 56 hours of drivers training before heading to the DMV to take your driving test and apply for your provisional license.

You will receive a certificate of completion from your driving instructor to take with you to the DMV. Your parent or guardian will also have to sign a document at the DMV stating you completed at least 50 hours of drivers training with them.

Safety Tips For Driving

As you work your way through the drivers ed course and the driving lessons, you will be learning some great driving tips from your driving instructor. These are things you are going to want to keep with you, especially as you earn your driver’s license and start driving alone.

These safety tips include always buckling up, do not text and drive, come to a complete stop, never drive under the influence of anything, and always obey the speed limits. Safety is key, especially when you are behind the wheel. Keep these safety tips in mind when you hit the road next time.

It can seem like a lot with how many hours of driving before license, but let Coastline Academy help you out every step of the way. We prepare you for a life of staying safe on the roads. Get started with your Drivers Ed program or driving lessons now, as you work to complete how many hours of driving to get license!