Chico California Driver's Education Course

  • Free practice tests to ace your California DMV permit test with ease.
  • Mobile-friendly, study anywhere for your California driver's license.
  • Get your certificate fast - shipped free to Chico!
  • Guaranteed pass for your California driver's license exam, no extra fees.
$24.95
Limited time offer. Regular price $49.95
14 - 17 ½ y.o.
Mandatory for a permit / license
Pass guarantee
Pass the course or get your money back
Getting Your California Driver's License in Chico
Ready to drive in Chico, California? Follow these straightforward steps to obtain your California driver's license, crafted for young drivers living in the Chico area. Learn about driver education, local DMV offices, and driving tips to help you succeed.

Meet the Minimum Age Requirement

To start your journey, you need to be at least 15 years old. At this age, you're eligible to begin the California drivers ed course, which provides essential training in California driving laws and safety rules.

Enroll in California Drivers Ed

Complete a California drivers ed course, which includes 30 hours of instruction covering California traffic laws, vehicle operation, and road safety. You can complete this course online at your own pace, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Upon completion, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion (DL 400C), which you'll need to take the DMV test.

Prepare for the Permit Test

To ace your California permit test, read the California DMV handbook, and take a California permit test practice online. The permit practice test will help familiarize you with the test's 46 multiple-choice questions. This is a great way to understand the test structure and make sure you're ready to visit the DMV.

Apply for Your California Learners Permit

When you're at least 15½ years old, have completed drivers ed, and are ready for the permit knowledge test, make an appointment at the Chico DMV, located at 107 Parmac Rd #1. You'll need to bring:

  • Your DL 44 form signed by a parent or guardian
  • Your driver's ed Certificate of Completion
  • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate)
  • Your Social Security number
  • Proof of residency

If you'd prefer, you may also take the California driver's permit test online, with permission from your parent or guardian. If you do, you'll still need to visit the DMV for other parts of the application, like the vision test and payment.

Pass the Permit Test

At the DMV, you'll complete a vision test and pay the fee to apply for your California permit DMV. Then, you'll take the written permit knowledge test, which has 46 questions. You need to score at least 80% to pass, meaning you'll need 38 correct answers.

Start Behind-the-Wheel Training

Before you can begin practicing with a supervising adult, complete two hours of driving training with a certified instructor. Once your instructor signs your California learners permit, you can start practicing with an adult. Continue taking California behind the wheel drivers training until you complete the required six hours. Chico has several driving schools, and our course can connect you with one to help fulfill this requirement.

Complete Your Supervised Driving Practice

In addition to your professional driving lessons, you'll need to log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. The California Parent-Teen Driving Guide can help you structure these hours effectively. Logging your practice hours helps ensure you're fully prepared for the California DMV driving test.

Observe Permit Restrictions

As a permit holder, you must always drive with a licensed adult aged 25 or older. Since you're in Chico, consider using your supervised practice time to get familiar with the nearby highways and roads, as well as the city's unique driving routes.

Hold Your Permit for Six Months

To qualify for a provisional license, you need to hold your California learners permit for at least six months. This waiting period provides valuable time for driving practice.

Schedule Your California DMV Driving Test

After six months, once you're at least 16 years old and have completed the required hours, make an appointment at the Chico DMV for your California DMV driving test. Bring:

  • Your signed provisional permit
  • A certificate of completion for professional driving lessons
  • Your California drivers ed Certificate of Completion

The driving test includes a pre-drive safety check and an evaluation of your driving skills, including lane changes, stops, turns, and traffic awareness.

Receive Your California Provisional License

After passing the California driving test, you'll receive a provisional license, allowing you to drive independently but with some restrictions, such as no driving between 11 PM and 5 AM and no passengers under 20 without a supervising adult. Enjoy your new independence responsibly as you drive through Chico and nearby areas like Bidwell Park.

When you turn 18, your provisional license will convert into a full, unrestricted California drivers license, allowing you to explore all the unique places Chico offers with full freedom.

Recommended by leading driver safety & consumer protection organizations

Chico Drivers Ed: Online vs. Classroom

Discover the Best Way to Earn Your California Driver's License in Chico

California Drivers Ed Online DMV Approved

Flexible, Convenient, and Designed for Chico Residents

$24.95
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If you're looking to earn your California driver's license without the hassle of commuting or scheduling, the online California drivers ed course is the perfect solution. Specifically tailored for Chico residents, this online option offers flexibility, convenience, and local DMV-focused preparation, all from the comfort of your home.

With Chico's traffic and parking challenges, you can avoid unnecessary travel and learn at your own pace. The online course allows you to:

  • Get expert help from instructors via chat, email, or video for any questions.
  • Save on gas and commuting costs, eliminating the need to travel around town.
  • Revisit lessons and quizzes anytime, ensuring you are well-prepared for the California DMV written test.

Additionally, this online course prepares you for the California drivers permit practice test with up-to-date content from the California DMV handbook, designed to help you succeed on your first attempt.

Join thousands of Chico students who have chosen this modern, flexible path to obtaining their California learners permit and getting ready for the California DMV test - without ever leaving home.

Classroom Drivers Ed Course in Chico

Traditional Learning, but Less Convenient for Chico Residents

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While traditional classroom drivers ed courses used to be the standard, they may no longer suit the fast-paced, busy lifestyle of many Chico residents. Unlike the online course, a classroom setting requires strict schedules that can be difficult to manage, especially if you live in different areas of Chico with commuting challenges.

In a classroom course, you face several drawbacks:

  • Limited accommodations for students with special needs or unique learning preferences.
  • Commuting time to and from class, which adds extra hours to your day.
  • Missed classes are harder to make up, making it difficult to stay on track if you can't attend a session.

For Chico residents, dealing with traffic and limited parking just adds more stress to the process. With no option to review lessons or prepare for the California DMV written test at your own pace, traditional learning may feel restrictive compared to the flexibility of the online drivers ed course.

By choosing the online drivers ed class, you can skip the hassles of commuting and scheduling while still receiving expert guidance and passing your DMV permit test with ease.

DMV Offices Near You
Your Guide to DMV Locations in Chico

Chico DMV

107 Parmac Rd #1, Chico, CA 95926

3.9(381)
Chico's Trusted California Drivers Ed
Fast, Engaging & DMV-Approved for Chico Students
Stay Updated, Drive Smart
Chico's streets and California's driving laws change quickly, and this California drivers education course keeps you in the know with regularly updated content. Master the latest rules and regulations so you're fully prepared for the California DMV test. Learn all you need to ace the California DMV permit test and navigate Chico's roads confidently.
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Learn With Fun, Interactive Tools
Chico students can benefit from engaging videos, quizzes, and animations that bring learning to life. Each module is designed to keep you focused and make understanding the California DMV handbook a breeze, helping you get ready for the California DMV knowledge test while staying engaged every step of the way.
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Flexible Learning, Anytime
Take your California drivers ed course on any device, whether you're at home in Chico or studying on the go. Compatible with computers, tablets, and smartphones, our course lets you prepare for your California DMV permit test wherever you are, adapting to your schedule so you can learn on your terms.
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Chico Driver's Ed: Your Path to a License
Learn, Practice, and Get Licensed – Effortlessly
Where do you take drivers ed?

You can take our California drivers ed course entirely online from the comfort of your home in Chico. Our program is designed to fit into your schedule, whether you’re studying after school, over the weekend, or during a break. Since it’s 100% online, you don’t need to travel to a classroom or worry about rigid schedules. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection, and you can complete the course from anywhere in Chico or even while traveling. The course is divided into engaging modules, so you can log in and out at your convenience. Progress is saved automatically, which makes it perfect for busy students. Our flexible platform ensures that you can study at your own pace and prepare thoroughly for your California DMV permit test.

Do you offer drivers ed outside of Chico?

Yes, we operate throughout California, not just in Chico. Our California drivers ed course is available online to students in Butte County and beyond. Whether you live in a neighboring city or a completely different part of the state, you can access our course anytime. Some of the cities where students have taken advantage of our drivers ed program include Santa Clarita, Salinas, Lodi, Monterey Park, Santa Cruz, Tulare, Newport Beach, Alameda, Burbank, Manteca, Daly City, Visalia, Woodland, and Watsonville. This means that even if you have friends or family in other parts of California, they can enroll in the same trusted program. Since the course is online, location is never a barrier, and you’ll still receive the same DMV-approved Certificate of Completion to help you get your California learners permit.

Is California drivers ed course legit?

Absolutely! Our California drivers ed course is fully approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), so you can trust that it meets all the official requirements. This includes the mandatory 30 hours of instruction, which cover everything you need to know, such as traffic laws, road safety, defensive driving techniques, and road sign recognition. We ensure that all topics are presented in an engaging and easy-to-follow format. Our course prepares you to pass the California DMV permit test with confidence. For added reassurance, our DMV approval can be verified anytime, and our DMV license number is E2067. By choosing a legitimate program like ours, you can rest easy knowing that your Certificate of Completion will be accepted when you apply for your California learners permit.

How does drivers ed work?

Our California drivers ed course is designed to be simple, flexible, and effective. Once you sign up for the course, you’ll gain immediate access to 30 hours of interactive lessons, which include videos, quizzes, and activities that cover everything you need to know about driving in California. The course is divided into manageable modules, allowing you to complete it at your own pace. You can log in and out whenever it’s convenient, and your progress will be saved automatically. As you work through the lessons, you’ll learn about important topics such as California traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving techniques, and how to handle various driving conditions. At the end of the course, there’s a final test to assess your understanding, but don’t worry - you can retake it as many times as you need to pass. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a DMV-approved Certificate of Completion, which is a necessary step to apply for your learners permit.

What happens if you fail drivers ed?

If you’re taking our online drivers ed course, you don’t have to worry about failing. The course is designed to help you succeed, and there’s no penalty for needing extra time or attempts. The final test can be retaken as many times as necessary until you pass, and you’ll always have access to the course materials to review and prepare. This flexible approach ensures that every student can complete the course confidently and successfully. If you feel unsure about any topics, you can go back and review the lessons, videos, and quizzes at your own pace. Unlike traditional classroom settings where you might feel pressured to keep up, our online course allows you to learn in a stress-free environment. Our goal is to make drivers ed a positive and successful experience for every student in Chico and across California.

Does drivers ed course expire?

No, your Certificate of Completion from our drivers ed course does not expire. Once you complete the 30-hour course, you’ll receive your certificate, which remains valid indefinitely. This means you can use it to apply for your California learners permit whenever you’re ready. However, while the certificate itself doesn’t expire, it’s best to move forward with the licensing process as soon as possible to keep the material fresh in your mind. The learners permit and other steps in the licensing process may have their own deadlines or restrictions, so it’s a good idea to complete each stage in a timely manner. If you lose your certificate, don’t worry - you can request a replacement online.

What do you do in driving school?

Driving school focuses on hands-on, practical training behind the wheel. In California, teens are required to complete 6 hours of behind the wheel drivers training with a professional, certified driving instructor. During these lessons, you’ll practice essential skills like turning, parking, merging, braking, and obeying traffic signals. The instructor will also teach you how to navigate different road conditions, handle intersections, and develop defensive driving habits to keep yourself and others safe. For Chico residents, driving school often includes practicing on local roads and highways, so you get comfortable driving in familiar areas. Beyond the 6 mandatory hours, you can continue scheduling additional lessons if you want to build more confidence before practicing with a parent or guardian. These professional lessons are an important step to prepare you for the California DMV driving test.

How many DMV questions are there in total?

The California DMV permit test consists of 46 multiple-choice questions for teens under 18. The questions cover topics like road signs, California traffic laws, and safe driving practices. To pass, you must answer at least 38 questions correctly, which is an 83% passing score. While this might sound challenging, don’t worry - our drivers ed course and free DMV practice tests are designed to prepare you thoroughly. By taking practice tests regularly and studying the California DMV manual, you’ll get familiar with the types of questions you’ll see on the real test. Practicing consistently will help you build confidence and ensure you’re ready to pass the permit test on your first try.

When can I start driving in California?

In California, you can start driving as soon as you turn 15½ and obtain your learners permit. To get your permit, you must first complete a California drivers ed course and pass the California DMV permit test. Once you have your permit, you can begin practicing driving under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old. This is your opportunity to gain experience on the road, develop good driving habits, and prepare for the DMV driving test. If you live in Chico, this means practicing on familiar streets and highways, which can help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

What can I do with my permit?

With your California learners permit, you can practice driving as long as a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old is in the passenger seat. This is a crucial stage where you build your driving skills and gain real-world experience. During this period, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 hours at night. Keeping a log of your practice hours will help ensure you meet the DMV’s requirements. With your permit, you can practice in various conditions, like night driving, freeway driving, and city driving, to prepare for different scenarios you’ll encounter on the road.

If my driver's license expires, do I have to retake the test in California?

If your California drivers license expires, you may need to retake the written knowledge test. If the license has been expired for a significant period, the DMV might also require you to take the behind the wheel driving test again. To avoid this, it’s best to renew your license before it expires. The renewal process is much simpler than retaking the tests, and you can typically complete it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

Is the permit test easy?

The California DMV permit test is designed to ensure you understand traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. With proper preparation, most students find the test straightforward. By studying the California DMV manual and taking our California permit practice tests, you’ll become familiar with the test format and types of questions asked. Consistent practice will help you build the confidence and knowledge you need to pass the test on your first try.

Where can I take drivers ed if I live in Chico?

Chico students can take our state-approved California drivers ed course entirely online. Our program is flexible, convenient, and allows you to learn anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re at home, school, or on the go, you can study at your own pace and prepare for the California DMV permit test.

What is the best way to prepare for the driving test?

The best way to prepare for the California DMV road test is to combine supervised practice with professional behind the wheel drivers training. Focus on building essential driving skills like parking, merging, lane changes, and understanding traffic laws. If you’re in Chico, practicing in local conditions can help you get comfortable with the routes you may encounter during the test.

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