Sacramento County Drivers Ed Course

  • Mobile-friendly course for on-the-go Sacramento students
  • Self-paced lessons to fit your schedule
  • Complete California driver education 100% online
  • Free DMV practice tests to prepare for your written test
  • Affordable, risk-free course with a money-back guarantee
$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

California Driver's License Steps: Sacramento County

Start your journey toward earning a California driver's license with this step-by-step guide designed for Sacramento County residents under 18. This process is structured to make each requirement easy to follow, with local DMV options and valuable resources for success.

Confirm Eligibility

You can begin the process of obtaining a California driver's license as young as 15. At this age, you're eligible to start with the necessary California drivers ed to build foundational skills for safe driving.

Complete California Drivers Ed

Enroll in a California drivers ed course, such as our California driver education, which includes 30 hours of online instruction covering California road rules, safety, and vehicle operation. Upon completing the course, you'll receive the Certificate of Completion (DL 400C) required to proceed to the DMV permit test. This certificate is essential for your California permit application.

Study for the DMV Permit Test

To increase your chance of passing the DMV permit test on your first attempt, study the California DMV handbook thoroughly and take the California DMV practice test. For free resources, check the DMV website for access to the latest California DMV handbook and California DMV knowledge test practice materials.

Obtain a California Drivers Permit

Once you're at least 15½, have finished drivers ed, and feel confident with California permit practice tests, it's time to apply for a California drivers permit. Make an appointment at a nearby DMV office, such as Auburn DMV, Carmichael DMV, or Stockton DMV. Bring along:

  • DL 44 application form signed by your parent or guardian
  • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
  • Social Security Number
  • Proof of California residency
  • California drivers ed certificate (DL 400C)

At the DMV, you'll take the California permit knowledge test and complete a vision screening. Passing the written test is required to move forward, so make sure to thoroughly review and practice using a California DMV practice test. The permit fee for first-time applicants is $45.

Start Driving Classes and Validate Permit

After receiving your California drivers permit, the next step is to validate it with an initial 2-hour session of behind-the-wheel training. Arrange California behind the wheel drivers training with a professional driving instructor who will sign off on your permit to officially activate it for supervised driving with a licensed adult.

Begin Supervised Driving Practice

With your validated California permit, start logging supervised driving practice. You'll need to accumulate 50 hours of driving with an adult who is at least 25, including 10 hours at night. Your parents must confirm these hours on your permit, which is a significant part of preparing for the California driver test. The Sacramento region offers plenty of varied road conditions, from the highways around Sacramento to residential areas, giving young drivers ample experience across different settings.

Continue Professional Driving Classes

Complete the full 6 hours of required California behind the wheel drivers training with a certified instructor. These lessons will cover essential skills such as lane changes, turns, and merging to ensure you're ready for your California driver license test. Look for local driving schools in Sacramento County that offer this training in familiar local neighborhoods and traffic scenarios.

Follow Permit Restrictions

While you have your California DMV permit, remember you must be accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years or older whenever you're behind the wheel. It's also essential to respect all California road laws to develop good driving habits. The permit also has a mandatory 6-month holding period, so plan accordingly before scheduling your California DMV driver test.

Apply for a California Provisional License

Once you've held your permit for 6 months and completed all driving requirements, including supervised and professional hours, you can apply for a California provisional license. Schedule a DMV appointment for your California DMV behind the wheel test at a location convenient for you. Bring your provisional permit, proof of supervised driving (parent signature), and your professional driving training certificate.

Take the California Driving Test

On your test day, the examiner will conduct a pre-drive safety inspection, assessing vehicle features like brake lights, tires, and mirrors. After passing this check, you'll proceed with the California DMV driver test, where your skills in basic maneuvers, lane changes, and safe driving practices will be evaluated.

Receive Your Provisional License

If you pass, you'll receive a California provisional license, granting you the ability to drive without supervision under specific restrictions. For the first 12 months, you'll be restricted from driving between 11 PM and 5 AM without an adult over 25 unless for work or school with documentation. Additionally, you can't transport passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a licensed adult over 25.

As you complete these steps, take advantage of Sacramento's unique driving environment. Practicing on its diverse roads, from urban settings to quieter residential areas, can help build your confidence and prepare you for all driving conditions. When you turn 18, your California provisional license will automatically convert to a full, unrestricted license, allowing you to experience the freedom of driving in beautiful Sacramento County and beyond.

Recommended by leading driver safety & consumer protection organizations

Sacramento County Drivers Ed Options: Online vs. Classroom

Find the Best Fit for Earning Your California Driver's License

California Drivers Course Online

Convenient, Flexible Learning with Local DMV Prep

$24.95
Read more

For Sacramento County residents seeking flexibility and convenience, the online California drivers course is designed to meet your needs. With an online course, you can study at your own pace without having to commute or deal with traffic, which can be a real time-saver given Sacramento’s busy roads.

The online course includes a range of benefits:

  • DMV Practice Tests: Prepare thoroughly for your California DMV test with unlimited access to practice permit tests that mirror the real test format. This feature helps you feel confident and ready for exam day.
  • Lower Costs: Enjoy a more affordable option than classroom courses, making it easier to obtain your California drivers permit without stretching your budget.
  • Automatic Record Keeping: No need to worry about lost paperwork or delays. Your progress and certification are securely stored online, allowing for easy access whenever you need it, even for submitting to the California DMV.

Choose the online course to streamline your journey to a California class C license while saving time and money. Sacramento County residents, skip the commute and start preparing for your permit test from the comfort of home.

Classroom Driving Course in Sacramento County

Why Traditional Courses May Be Less Practical Locally

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While classroom-based drivers ed was once the standard, it’s not always convenient for Sacramento County students today. In-person classes add challenges that can be avoided with online options.

Consider the potential drawbacks of classroom-based courses:

  • Transportation Costs: Attending in-person classes means extra costs for gas, parking, or public transit fees, which can quickly add up.
  • Delayed Feedback: Unlike online courses that offer instant practice test results, classroom settings can mean waiting for feedback, slowing your overall progress toward your California provisional driver's license.
  • Public Health Risks: Gathering in close quarters during flu season or public health events could increase your exposure to illness, which is avoidable with online study.

Opting for an online drivers ed course means you can study safely, affordably, and efficiently. Sacramento County students can enjoy all the benefits without the commute or added expenses.

DMV Offices Near You
Your Guide to DMV Locations in Sacramento County

Sacramento DMV

4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820

3.4(1350)
Sacramento South DMV

7775 La Mancha Way, Sacramento, CA 95823

3.3(1060)
Roseville DMV

7200 Galilee Rd, Roseville, CA 95678

3.6(1293)
Carmichael DMV

5209 North Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608

3.3(1639)
Woodland DMV

825 East St #306, Woodland, CA 95776

3.7(455)
Folsom DMV

323 E Bidwell St, Folsom, CA 95630

3.7(708)
Davis DMV

505 Pole Line Rd, Davis, CA 95616

3.3(477)
Auburn DMV

11722 Enterprise Dr, Auburn, CA 95603

3.9(440)
Rocklin DMV

5245 S Grove St, Rocklin, CA 95677

3.9(720)
Grass Valley DMV

890 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945

3.8(250)
Stockton DMV

55 S Lincoln St, Stockton, CA 95203

3.6(959)
Concord DMV

2070 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA 94520

3.6(985)

Sacramento's Fast & Convenient Drivers Ed

DMV-Approved, Designed for Local Success

Automatic Progress Tracking

Our California drivers ed course keeps all your progress and certifications stored online, making it a breeze to access whenever you need. Sacramento students can relax knowing records are just a click away, so you're fully prepared when it's time to submit to the DMV. Plus, this easy access ensures your California DMV driver's license journey is smooth, from start to finish.
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Local Instructor Support

Get expert help when you need it! Sacramento County students benefit from access to knowledgeable instructors available via chat, email, or video. Have a question on a tricky California DMV test topic or the permit process? Our certified instructors have your back, making sure you're confident and ready to ace the California DMV knowledge test practice and beyond.
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Lifetime Course Access

Need a refresher on the California DMV handbook? Sacramento residents can return to our course materials anytime - even after earning their California class C license! This ongoing access ensures you're always prepared, from your first permit practice test to your behind-the-wheel test.
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Sacramento County Driver’s Ed FAQs

Your Path to a California Driver’s License Starts Here

How many modules in drivers ed?

Our California drivers ed course is divided into 13 modules. These modules cover essential topics like traffic laws, road safety, and defensive driving techniques. Each module includes interactive materials like videos, quizzes, and activities to keep students engaged. One of the key benefits of our course is flexibility: you can complete these modules at your own pace, signing in and out as needed. This is especially convenient for busy high school students in Sacramento County balancing school, sports, and other responsibilities.

Completing these 13 modules ensures you are fully prepared for the California learners permit test and confident behind the wheel.

Does drivers ed give you a permit?

Drivers ed does not directly give you a permit, but it is a required step for students under 18. Completing a California DMV-approved driver education course earns you a Certificate of Completion (DL 400C). You must take this certificate to the DMV when applying for your California instruction permit.

The next steps include:

  1. Passing the California permit test at the DMV.
  2. Taking a vision test.
  3. Paying the permit fee.

Once you pass these, you’ll receive your California learners permit, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult over 25.

Is online drivers ed legit?

Yes, online drivers ed is completely legitimate in California as long as it is DMV-approved. Our course is fully approved by the California DMV and meets all state requirements for the 30 hours of mandatory instruction.

Online drivers ed is particularly popular among students in Sacramento County because it offers flexibility. You can complete the course on any device (laptop, tablet, or phone), allowing you to study anytime, anywhere. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a course, you can verify its approval on the California DMV website.

What happens if you fail drivers ed class?

In our online drivers ed course, you cannot fail the class. If you do not pass the final test on your first attempt, you can retake it as many times as needed until you succeed. You’ll also have unlimited access to the course materials, allowing you to review topics and retake quizzes to ensure you fully understand the content.

This flexible approach ensures that every student has the opportunity to successfully complete the course and earn their Certificate of Completion. Whether you’re in Sacramento County or elsewhere, we make learning stress-free and accessible.

How many hours of drivers ed are required for a Class C license?

The state of California requires 30 hours of drivers education for individuals under 18 who want to obtain a California class C driver license. These hours can be completed through either online or in-person classes.

Our DMV-approved California drivers ed course satisfies this requirement with engaging lessons, videos, quizzes, and practice tests that prepare you for the California DMV permit test. Completing this course is the first step toward earning your permit and gaining the freedom of driving.

Can I get my license without drivers ed?

If you are under 18, you must complete a DMV-approved California driver ed course to earn your learner’s permit and eventually your driver’s license.

However, if you are 18 or older, drivers ed is not required by law. Adults can go straight to preparing for the California DMV written test and the DMV behind the wheel test. While it’s not mandatory, many adults still take drivers ed to boost their confidence and prepare for the road.

Where can I study for my driver's license?

To prepare for your California drivers license written test, you can:

  1. Study the California DMV handbook, which is available online for free.
  2. Take DMV-approved California permit practice tests like the ones we provide. These simulate the real test format and help you identify areas where you need improvement.
  3. Enroll in our California drivers ed course. This course covers everything you need to pass the written test, including road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.

Students in Sacramento County can also visit their local library or DMV office for additional resources.

How many driving hours do you need?

The California permit test consists of 46 questions. To pass, you must answer at least 38 questions correctly, which means you can miss up to 8 questions.

The test covers topics from the California DMV handbook, including traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. To ensure success, students can use our California permit practice tests to prepare. Practicing ahead of time will help you pass with flying colors!

Do you offer drivers ed outside Sacramento County?

Yes, we proudly serve students not only in Sacramento County but also in other counties and cities throughout California. Some of the areas we serve include:

No matter where you’re located, our online California driver education course offers the flexibility and quality you need to meet state requirements and get on the road safely.

What are the steps to get your permit?

Here’s how to get your California learners permit:

Once you’ve completed these steps, your California learners permit will allow you to start practicing with a licensed adult.

Is the driving test easy?

The California DMV driving test is manageable if you prepare properly. The key to success is practice and understanding what the test covers. During the test, the examiner will evaluate your ability to:

  • Make smooth stops and turns.
  • Merge into traffic safely.
  • Park and back up properly.
  • Follow traffic laws, signs, and signals.

Taking professional California behind the wheel driving classes can make the process easier. These lessons provide expert guidance and help Sacramento teens and adults build confidence behind the wheel.

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