535 Castillo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
You don’t need to bring anything to our online drivers ed course. Since it’s completely online, all materials are provided within the course. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable internet connection. If you’re taking in-person classes, confirm with your instructor if materials like notebooks, ID, or parent authorization forms are required. Being prepared will ensure you have a smooth experience. For Santa Barbara students attending classes locally, always double-check class guidelines, as some instructors may request specific materials.
Our California drivers ed courses are available statewide. We serve residents not only in Santa Barbara County but also in San Diego County, Fresno County, Riverside County, Orange County, and Sonoma County. Popular cities where we offer our services include San Diego, Fresno, Riverside, Santa Rosa, Modesto, and San Luis Obispo. Whether you’re taking the course from Santa Barbara’s beachside neighborhoods or Fresno’s Central Valley, our online courses are tailored for convenience and success.
No matter where you are in California, our DMV-approved online drivers ed course ensures you meet state requirements with flexible, self-paced lessons.
No, drivers ed and defensive driving courses serve different purposes. Drivers ed is specifically designed for new drivers, primarily teens, to introduce California traffic laws, road safety, and basic vehicle operation. It’s required for anyone under 18 to obtain a learners permit and, eventually, a California driver's license.
Defensive driving courses, on the other hand, are usually for experienced drivers looking to improve their skills or reduce points on their driving record. These courses focus on strategies to anticipate hazards, avoid accidents, and improve situational awareness. While drivers ed may touch on basic defensive driving principles, the two courses are distinct.
Completing drivers ed is straightforward with our online program:
- Enroll on our website - sign up in minutes.
- Complete 30 hours of learning. The course covers California traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can log in and out as needed - your progress is saved automatically.
- Pass the quizzes and final test. The quizzes ensure you’re absorbing the material, and the final exam can be retaken until you pass.
- Receive your Certificate of Completion (CDE). Once you finish, we’ll send your certificate by mail within 3–5 business days. Expedited shipping is also available.
With drivers ed completed, you’ll be ready to take the DMV written test and get your California learners permit.
CDE stands for Certificate of Driver Education. In California, this certificate proves you’ve successfully completed a state-approved drivers ed course. If you’re under 18, you must present your CDE at the DMV when applying for your learners permit. Without it, you won’t be eligible to take the DMV written test or begin supervised driving practice.
Our course ensures you receive the CDE promptly upon completion, so you can stay on track toward earning your California driver's license.
California law requires all drivers ed programs - whether online or in-person - to be 30 hours long. This includes interactive modules, videos, quizzes, and practice tests.
If you choose our online drivers ed course, you have the flexibility to complete these 30 hours at your own pace. You can log in for a few minutes each day or dedicate longer study sessions - it’s completely up to you. This is ideal for busy students in Santa Barbara balancing school, sports, and other activities.
Preparing for the DMV written test is essential for success. Follow these steps:
- Study the California DMV handbook. This free guide includes everything you need to know about road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
- Take California DMV permit practice tests. Our drivers ed course includes unlimited practice tests, which mimic the real exam format. Taking these repeatedly will build your confidence.
- Review key concepts: Focus on road signs, speed limits, and right-of-way rules - these topics frequently appear on the test.
Most importantly, give yourself time to study. With preparation, passing the test on the first try is absolutely achievable.
For teens under 18, completing a California drivers ed course is mandatory to obtain a California learners permit. Additionally, teens must complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving instructor.
For adults 18 and older, driving school is not required, but it’s highly recommended. Many adults take driving lessons to gain confidence behind the wheel and ensure they’re fully prepared for the California DMV behind-the-wheel test. Driving school is an excellent investment in your safety and success.
The California DMV written test can now be taken online, under certain conditions. If you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent to take the supervised online test, which requires a webcam to monitor you. The DMV will provide instructions for setting up and completing the test.
However, the DMV driving test - where you demonstrate your driving skills - must be taken in person at a DMV office.
If you’re completing drivers ed to get your California learners permit, you only need to take the course once.
For defensive driving courses, which help reduce points on a driving record, you can typically complete a course once every 18 months. Always check with the DMV to confirm eligibility if you’re completing driving school for ticket dismissal or insurance discounts.
You may need to retake the California DMV driving test in these scenarios:
- Your driver license expired more than 2 years ago.
- You fail the driving test - after 3 attempts, you’ll need to reapply and start the process again.
- If requested by the DMV for medical or age-related reasons.
For seniors, the DMV may require a retest to ensure safe driving abilities. If you’re preparing to retake the test, consider additional driving lessons to sharpen your skills.
The time it takes to prepare varies, but most students spend about 1–2 weeks studying for the California written driving test. If you dedicate 30–60 minutes a day to studying the DMV handbook and taking permit practice tests, you’ll feel confident by test day.
Make a plan:
- Day 1–5: Study one chapter of the DMV handbook daily.
- Day 6–7: Take multiple practice tests.
Consistent preparation leads to success, and our included practice tests ensure you’re ready!
If you fail the California DMV written test, don’t worry - you’ll get two more attempts within a year to pass. Use the time to review the California DMV handbook and focus on areas where you struggled. Taking additional permit practice tests can help reinforce your knowledge.
If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you to retake the test. Staying calm and prepared will help you succeed on your next attempt!
If you’re under 18 and receive a California provisional driver’s license, there are a few restrictions:
- No driving between 11 PM and 5 AM, unless accompanied by a licensed adult.
- No passengers under 20 years old, unless supervised by a licensed driver over 25.
These restrictions last for 12 months or until you turn 18. They’re designed to help new drivers build experience safely.
Driving out of state with a California learners permit depends on the state you’re visiting. While California allows you to drive with a licensed adult, other states may have different permit rules. Always check the driving laws of the state you plan to visit before traveling.
For local Santa Barbara students planning road trips, staying within California while holding a permit is the safest bet until you earn your full California driver's license.
