Sacramento Online Drivers Ed: Your Path to a California Drivers License

  • Free California DMV practice test and study tools to ace your California permit test.
  • Learn at your own pace - our online drivers ed course fits around your schedule, stress-free.
  • Fully approved by the California DMV to meet all California drivers education requirements.
  • Join thousands of Sacramento students on their way to passing the California driver license test.
  • Unlimited chances to pass your final exam with a 100% pass guarantee - no extra fees!
  • Access the course anywhere from your phone, tablet, or computer - whenever you're ready.
$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
Sacramento Guide: Getting a California Driver's License
Welcome! If you're under 18 and living in Sacramento, you're on your way to earning your California drivers license. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your license, highlighting a few local Sacramento insights as you go.

Meet the Requirements for California Drivers Ed

Before you can take the California DMV drivers permit test, you need to complete a California drivers ed course. To begin this process, you must be at least 15 years old, but note that you won't be eligible for a permit until you're at least 15½. Start by enrolling in a California drivers license course, such as our online option designed for underage applicants. In this course, you'll learn essential California road safety rules and state laws over 30 hours of flexible, paced instruction.

Once you complete the course, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion, also known as the DL 400C or "pink slip." This certificate is necessary for scheduling your DMV test. If you're looking for nearby DMV offices, the Sacramento South DMV on La Mancha Way or the main Sacramento DMV on Broadway are two convenient options to consider when booking your appointment.

Get Ready for the Permit Test

With your drivers ed completed, it's time to prepare for the California DMV permit test. Sacramento has a rich history with routes dating back to the Gold Rush, so becoming familiar with California's driving rules can connect you with this legacy. Be sure to study the DMV handbook, as the permit test is heavily based on this guide. In addition, taking a California DMV practice test will help familiarize you with the structure and types of questions you'll face. This can boost your confidence and ensure you're ready to succeed.

The permit test itself includes 46 multiple-choice questions, and you'll need to get at least 38 correct to pass. You can opt to take the test online (with supervision via webcam) if you have permission from a parent or guardian, or in person at the DMV. For in-person tests, bring all required paperwork and identification for a smooth experience.

Apply for Your Learner's Permit

Once you've studied, completed your practice, and feel prepared for the permit test, make an appointment at your nearest DMV office (such as the Sacramento DMV on Broadway). You'll need to bring the following documents:

  • DL 44 form: Signed by your parent or guardian
  • Proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport
  • Social Security Number
  • Proof of California residency
  • Certificate of Completion from your drivers course

At the DMV, you'll take the California DMV permit test and a vision exam. There's also a $45 fee for first-time applicants, which covers both the permit and the future driving test. After passing, you'll receive your learners permit, but remember that it's not valid until you complete your first professional driving lesson.

Begin Supervised Driving Practice

To make your learners permit valid, you'll need to schedule at least two hours of professional California driving lessons with a certified instructor. This step activates your permit, allowing you to drive with a supervising adult (25 or older). After the initial 2-hour session, you can practice driving around the Sacramento area, where traffic conditions and road types will help you gain diverse experience.

In total, you'll need six hours of professional California behind-the-wheel drivers training to fulfill state requirements. Outside of these professional sessions, you're also required to complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving. Logging your hours using the DMV's Parent-Teen Training Guide can help you stay organized. Remember, you can only drive with a licensed adult over 25 until you receive your provisional license.

Pass the California DMV Behind the Wheel Test

Once you've held your permit for at least six months and are 16 or older, you'll be eligible to take the driving test. Sacramento's varied roads provide excellent practice settings, from bustling city streets to quieter suburban areas, helping you prepare for a range of driving situations. Make an appointment for your DMV road test, and on test day, bring:

  • Your learners permit
  • Proof of completed practice hours (parent-signed permit)
  • Completion certificate for professional driver training

The California DMV drivers license test consists of two parts: a pre-drive safety check and a road test. During the pre-check, the examiner will ensure your car's lights, mirrors, and other safety features are in working order. The road test will evaluate your skills in parking, merging, obeying traffic signs, and navigating intersections safely. Once you pass, you'll receive a provisional driver license that allows you to drive without a supervising adult, though some restrictions will still apply.

Driving with a Provisional License and Obtaining Your Full License

With a provisional license, you can drive independently but must adhere to California's provisional restrictions for the first year. These include no driving between 11 PM and 5 AM without a licensed adult over 25, and no passengers under 20 unless accompanied by an adult driver over 25.

After turning 18, your provisional license automatically converts into a full California drivers license, and all restrictions are lifted, granting you the freedom to drive unrestricted. Remember, Sacramento's scenic streets and highways offer great routes to continue practicing safe and responsible driving, from the historic streets around Old Sacramento to the beautiful River Walk near the Sacramento River.

Whether you're learning at home or getting help from an instructor, driving in Sacramento can be a rewarding journey. With these steps and a focus on safe driving, you'll soon be a confident and skilled driver with a California driver license in hand. Safe travels on your way to earning the freedom and responsibility that comes with your license!

Recommended by leading driver safety & consumer protection organizations

West Sacramento Drivers Education Course: Online vs. Classroom

Discover the best option to earn your California driver's license right from West Sacramento

California Driver License Course Online

Flexible, Convenient Learning for West Sacramento Students

$24.95
Read more

For West Sacramento residents looking to earn their California driver's license, an online course offers unmatched flexibility. You can progress at your own pace, allowing you to spend extra time on difficult topics or breeze through familiar ones. No need to worry about West Sacramento traffic or long commutes - you can learn from the comfort of your home or any place with an internet connection.

With a flexible schedule, you can take lessons whenever it fits into your busy life, making this a perfect solution for high school students or those with unpredictable work hours. Plus, the course is specifically designed to prepare you for the California DMV permit test, helping you master the material needed for West Sacramento's DMV office.

By choosing online drivers ed, you avoid the typical hassle of fixed schedules and crowded classrooms, ensuring a smooth and efficient path toward your license.

If you're looking to get your California driver's license on your terms, an online course lets you learn whenever, wherever.

Classroom Driver License Course in West Sacramento

Traditional Classes Don't Work for Today's Busy Students

Read more

A traditional classroom drivers education course may seem like a familiar option, but it doesn't always fit the needs of West Sacramento residents. Fixed class times mean students must adjust their schedules and potentially battle West Sacramento's traffic to attend. Additionally, learning in a classroom lacks the flexibility that many students need, as everyone must follow the same pace without the ability to revisit challenging topics.

In-class feedback on quizzes and tests can be slow, delaying your progress toward your California driving permit. For students with diverse learning styles, the classroom setting often offers limited personalization, making it harder to focus on what you need most to pass the California DMV permit test.

While the classroom option used to be the norm, modern learners and West Sacramento residents with busy lives are better served with an online course that provides self-paced, flexible learning to achieve the same goal - earning a California driver's license.

DMV Offices Near You
Your Guide to DMV Locations in Sacramento

Sacramento DMV

4700 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95820

3.4(1350)
Sacramento South DMV

7775 La Mancha Way, Sacramento, CA 95823

3.3(1060)
Sacramento's Premier Online Driver's Ed
Get DMV-Approved Training Anytime, Anywhere
Stay Safe at Home
Avoid the hassle of crowded classrooms and traffic by taking our California drivers ed course entirely online. Sacramento residents can enjoy a safe and convenient learning environment, preparing for their California DMV permit test from the comfort of home. Plus, our course is ideal for staying healthy and stress-free while working toward your California drivers license.
Start now
Learn at Your Own Pace
Sacramento students lead busy lives. With our California drivers ed online course, you set the schedule. Move quickly through familiar topics or take extra time on challenging sections to ensure you're fully prepared for the California DMV test. Whether after school, on weekends, or whenever works best, our self-paced course adapts to you.
Start now
Track Your Progress Easily
Our Sacramento-based students love our built-in progress tracking! Stay on top of your California drivers ed journey by seeing exactly how much you've completed and what's left before the California DMV test. Knowing where you stand keeps you organized and motivated as you work toward your California class C driver's license.
Start now
Sacramento Driver's Ed & Licensing FAQs
Your Guide to Getting a California Driver’s License
How long does it take for drivers ed certificate to arrive?

Once you complete your drivers ed course, your Certificate of Completion is mailed via USPS and typically arrives within 3-5 business days. For students in Sacramento or nearby areas who need their certificate sooner, we offer expedited delivery options at an additional cost. This ensures you can quickly move on to scheduling your DMV permit test without delay. The standard delivery is free of charge, but it’s always a good idea to plan ahead if you’re working within a specific timeline for your permit application.

How many questions are on the drivers ed test?

The final exam for drivers ed consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions cover everything you’ve learned during the course, including traffic laws, road signs, and safety practices. Students have the advantage of unlimited attempts to pass, so you can review the material and retake the test as needed. The flexibility allows you to move at your own pace and ensures you feel confident and prepared for the next steps in obtaining your California driver’s permit.

Do you need to do drivers ed if you’re 18?

No, drivers ed is not mandatory for individuals who are 18 years or older. However, taking a drivers ed course is highly recommended even for adults. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, which can help you pass the written knowledge test on your first attempt. Whether you’re in Sacramento or elsewhere, the added preparation can make a big difference in your confidence and readiness for the driving test.

Do schools offer drivers ed?

Most schools in California no longer offer drivers ed as part of their curriculum. Instead, many schools partner with online or local providers to give students access to approved courses. If your school doesn’t have a partnership, you can still enroll independently in an online drivers ed course. Our program is DMV-approved, making it an excellent option for students in Sacramento and other parts of California. The convenience of online learning means you can complete the course from anywhere at your own pace.

What does CDE stand for in drivers ed?

CDE stands for Certificate of Driver Education. This is the official document you receive upon successfully completing a state-approved drivers ed course. In California, this certificate is a requirement for students under 18 who wish to apply for a learner’s permit. The CDE demonstrates that you’ve completed the mandatory 30 hours of instruction covering traffic laws, road safety, and vehicle operation. Keep your certificate safe, as you’ll need to present it at the DMV when applying for your permit.

Do you need a permit to get a license in California?

Yes, obtaining a learner’s permit is the first step toward earning your California driver’s license. For individuals under 18, a valid California drivers permit is required before taking the behind-the-wheel driving test. Even for adults, the permit is a necessary step to practice driving legally before attempting the California DMV driving test. The permit allows supervised driving with a licensed adult, helping you gain the experience needed to pass the test and earn your full license.

When can you drive minors in California?

With a provisional license, drivers under 18 face specific restrictions. You cannot transport passengers under 20 years old unless a licensed adult over 25 is present in the vehicle. These restrictions remain in place for the first 12 months of holding your provisional license. There are exceptions for school, work, or medical emergencies, but you must carry proper documentation. These rules are designed to ensure young drivers gain experience without unnecessary distractions or risks.

Can you get a license without drivers ed?

If you are under 18, you are required to complete drivers ed to apply for a California driver’s license. The course provides the foundational knowledge needed to pass the written and driving tests. For individuals 18 or older, drivers ed is optional, but it can still be a valuable resource for preparing for the California DMV written test and building confidence behind the wheel. Drivers ed is particularly helpful for first-time drivers who want to strengthen their understanding of safe driving practices.

Do you operate in cities outside Sacramento?

Yes, our drivers ed course is available throughout Sacramento County and other parts of California. In addition to Sacramento, we serve students in Folsom, Vacaville, Eastvale, Modesto, Riverside, Pomona, San Diego, San Jose, Huntington Park, and Lakewood. Our online platform ensures accessibility for students across the state, offering the flexibility to complete your drivers ed course from the comfort of your home.

How many times can you fail a driving test in California?

You are allowed up to three attempts to pass the California DMV driving test within a 12-month period. If you fail all three attempts, you will need to reapply for your driver’s license, which includes paying the application fee again. Each attempt offers an opportunity to learn from previous mistakes, so it’s important to practice and prepare thoroughly before scheduling another test.

What to bring to the DMV permit test?

To take the DMV permit test in California, ensure you have the following items:

  1. A completed Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44).
  2. Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
  3. Your Social Security Number.
  4. Proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
  5. Certificate of Completion of drivers ed if you are under 18.
  6. Payment for the permit application fee.
    Double-check the DMV requirements before your appointment to avoid delays.

How many times can I take the DMV written test?

You can take the California DMV written test up to three times within one year. If you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to reapply for a learner’s permit. This includes completing a new application and paying the fee again. To maximize your chances of passing, study the California DMV handbook and take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.

What happens if I fail the drivers ed final exam?

If you fail the final exam in a drivers ed course, don’t worry - you can retake the test as many times as needed. Our course is designed to allow students to review materials and retake quizzes to strengthen their understanding of key concepts. With unlimited attempts, you can focus on mastering the content at your own pace until you pass and receive your Certificate of Completion.

Can I take drivers ed online?

Yes, you can complete drivers ed online, and our course is approved by the California DMV. Online learning provides flexibility, allowing you to study and progress at your convenience. The course covers essential topics, such as traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road signs. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion required to apply for your California learner’s permit.

When can I start drivers ed in California?

You can begin drivers ed as early as 15 years old in California. However, you cannot apply for a learner’s permit until you are at least 15 and a half. Starting drivers ed early ensures you have plenty of time to complete the course and be fully prepared for the written knowledge test. For Sacramento students, completing the course before turning 15 and a half gives you a head start on the licensing process.

What are the benefits of taking drivers ed?

Drivers ed offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Learning California-specific traffic laws and road rules.
  • Building a strong foundation in safe driving practices.
  • Gaining the knowledge needed to pass the written and driving tests.
  • Earning a Certificate of Completion required for teens under 18.
    For new drivers, drivers ed is an invaluable resource that prepares you for the road ahead. Whether you’re in Sacramento or elsewhere, the skills you develop will contribute to safer, more confident driving.

Can I take the California DMV permit test online?

The California DMV offers an online option for the written permit test for eligible applicants. This option requires a compatible device with a webcam for supervision by DMV staff. It’s a convenient way to complete the permit test without visiting a DMV office. However, you must still fulfill all other application requirements, such as providing proof of identity and completing drivers ed if you’re under 18.

Ready to get started?
Sign up now
Online
Support
Easy
to Use
Trusted
by Customers
Any Device,
Any Time