San Bernardino County Online Drivers Ed Course

To start, you'll need to be at least 15 years old to begin your driver education. For those under 18, completing a California drivers ed course is mandatory. You can conveniently enroll in our California drivers ed course online to start learning about road safety, California driving laws, and vehicle operation. The course spans 30 hours, and after finishing, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion (DL 400C), required for the California DMV test.

Tip: The online format allows you to complete the course at your own pace, which can be especially beneficial for students with busy schedules.

While our California drivers ed course covers most of the material, it's important to supplement your learning with a detailed study of the California DMV handbook. Use online resources like a California permit practice test to become more familiar with the structure and types of questions you'll encounter on the California DMV permit test.

Here are recommended study methods:

• Read the California DMV handbook: The primary source for the California DMV permit test.
• Take a California DMV practice test: This can build confidence and help you recognize common question patterns.

After completing the California drivers ed course, you'll be ready to apply for a California drivers permit. In San Bernardino County, you have access to several DMV offices, including the Fontana DMV, Victorville DMV, and Twentynine Palms DMV, where you can apply for your permit in person.

To apply, ensure you bring the following documents:

• DL 44 form (signed by a parent or guardian)
• Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
• Social Security Number
• Proof of California residency
• Certificate of Completion from your California drivers ed course

Once you arrive, you'll take the written California DMV permit test, which consists of 46 multiple-choice questions. You'll need to answer at least 38 questions correctly to pass.

Pro Tip: You can also choose to take the test online, but you'll need to complete this before your DMV appointment. If you select this option, your device will need to be compatible, and you'll take the test under supervision.

Once you have your provisional California drivers permit, you must complete a minimum of 2 hours of California behind the wheel drivers training with a certified instructor. These initial hours are required before you can practice driving with a licensed adult (25 years or older).

Your permit will only be valid after your instructor signs it during this initial training. Remember that driving in San Bernardino County often involves varying road conditions - from the mountainous areas around Big Bear to urban environments. Practicing in these diverse settings can help you gain experience and confidence.

After your permit is validated, you'll need to complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. A supervising adult (25 years or older with a valid California driver's license) must be with you for each practice session.

Tip: Use the Parent-Teen Driving Guide, available for download from the DMV website, to help structure your driving practice. This guide is particularly useful in San Bernardino County, where you may encounter unique driving environments such as desert roads and forested routes. It's a great opportunity to prepare for diverse driving situations.

To meet California's requirements, you must complete a total of 6 hours of professional driver lessons, usually broken up into multiple sessions. Scheduling these lessons periodically allows you to improve your skills while receiving professional guidance on more advanced driving techniques.

Each lesson helps reinforce safe driving practices, which are especially important in areas with high traffic like the county's Route 66 corridors. The knowledge you gain here will be valuable during your California driving test, which evaluates your ability to follow traffic laws and stay aware of your surroundings.

After holding your California drivers permit for at least six months and completing the required driving hours, you're eligible to take the California driving test for your provisional driver license. Schedule your test at one of San Bernardino County's nearby DMV locations, such as the Fontana DMV or Victorville DMV. Be sure to bring the following:

• Provisional Instruction Permit
• Signed proof of completed driving practice
• Certificate of completion for behind the wheel training

The California driving test includes a pre-drive safety check, where an examiner will check your vehicle's lights, turn signals, and brakes. You'll also need to demonstrate basic car operations like mirror adjustment and headlight usage. Once you start driving, the examiner will assess your ability to navigate intersections, make smooth turns, and change lanes safely.

Tip: Be prepared to demonstrate your skills in a variety of settings. Practicing near your testing DMV location can familiarize you with the area, which may make the test less stressful.

Once you pass, you'll receive a provisional driver license with a few restrictions. For the first 12 months, you may not drive between 11 PM and 5 AM or have passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a licensed adult (25+ years old) or for school or work with proper documentation.

Final Note: Once you turn 18, your provisional license automatically becomes a full California driver license without restrictions.