Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose a driving school? What should I know?

Are they bonded, licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and fully insured?
Is the training one-on-one or are there other students or observers in the car?
How many sessions are there to complete the required six hours of training?
Will you have the same instructor for every session?
What is the training program?
What type of vehicle will you be using?
How much experience does the instructor have?
Is the instructor male or female and what is their name?
Do they take the student to the DMV for the actual driving test?
How often are the appointments schedules?
What is their safety record?
What is their cancellation policy?
Do I have to pay in advance?
If I get a discount and decide to switch schools, is my unused payment refundable?

2. What is the procedure for a minor to get a drivers permit?

Complete an accepted course in drivers education (if you are under 17½) and get a certificate of completion. There are several ways to get the classroom portion of your training:
- through the high school GSR program
- from a private driving school - we recommend:
  - Statewide Driving School: (916) 481-5800
    (please mention you were referred by #3089)
- over the internet with our online program:
  - Drivers Education Online Program
You must be at least 15½ years old.
Enroll in a driving school. You need to show proof of enrollment in a driving school. After passing the GSR you must get the "Proof of Enrollment" form OL 392 from the driving school in order to take the written test.
Go to the DMV and take the written test. Appointments are not required but it will save you time in line. Appointment number is 1-800-777-0133. Bring with you for your written test:
- birth certificate (original or certified copy) or passport
  note: the DMV does not accept hospital-issued certificates
- completion slip from the classroom drivers education - classroom is not required if you are over 17½
- social security card
- completed DMV application form (must be signed by both parents or sole custodian)
- $28.00 application fee (credit cards not accepted - ATM, cash or check ok). This fee pays for three written tests and one drive test. The DMV charges an additional $7.00 fee for any additional drive test re-testing. You are only allowed a total of three attempts.
- "Proof of Enrollment" in drivers training form OL 392
Successfully pass the DMV written test within 3 attempts and receive a permit to drive once validated by a licensed driving instructor.
You must begin the behind-the-wheel driver training with a licensed instructor to validate the permit and then it is legal to drive with a licensed driver over 25 years old.

3. What is required in order for a minor to get a drivers license?

at least 16 years old
completed 50 hours of training/practice time with an adult over 25 years old
completed 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor and received a Certificate of Completion
must have had the permit for a minimum of 6 months
successfully pass the DMV drive test - appointments are required for the drive test: 1-800-777-0133 (the DMV is usually book 15-25 days in advance)

4. What should I bring with me to the DMV driving test?

Read your permit. Often there are more requirements than this list displays. It depends on what you showed them when you got your permit.

completion slip from drivers training
permit signed by a parent along with their drivers license number
proof of insurance on the vehicle you will be using for the test (your name does not need to appear on the insurance card)
current registration on the vehicle you will be using for the test
additional items would be listed on the permit if required, such as:
- verification of birthdate (birth certificate)
- social security number
- completion form from classroom drivers education
the vehicle that you use must:
- have working turn signals and brake lights
- have a working horn
- have a crack-free windshield
- have front and rear license plates (or temp form if new or newly purchased)
- have a working drivers window
- have seat belts and secure seats and doors
- be free from any hazardous condition

5. What will they do on the driving test?

Examiners will not try to trick you or make you fail. They want to assess your ability to control the vehicle, obey traffic laws, and watch out for others who may not be doing either of those things.
The examiner will conduct a pre-check of the vehicle. You will need to:
- show your hand signals
- show them the turn, brake, and headlights and that they are operational
- show where the defroster controls are and how to use them
- show where the windshield wiper control is and how to use it
- show where the hazard light control is located
- sound the horn on the vehicle (it must be operational)
You will be given instructions on how the test will be conducted.
You will be taken on a designated route which will include driving in traffic and in neighborhoods.
You will be expected to safely pull to and from the curb and back up in a straight line.
There is no parallel parking on the test.

6. Common mistakes that make people angry with the DMV and they end up returning another day and standing in line again.

Going to take the written test and:
- only having one parent signature on the application
- didn't bring one of the required pieces of paperwork
Going to take the driving test and:
- forgot to make an appointment
- didn't bring one of the required pieces of paperwork
- insurance or registration form is out of date
- something on the vehicle does not work or is not safe
- the windshield has a crack in it

7. If you had an appointment and couldn't take the test for some of the reasons mentioned above you can...

make another appointment (DMV's are usually booked 15-25 days ahead).
ask if you can return and be on stand-by. This does not mean you will be able to test later. If someone fails to show up, most DMV's will work you in. However, some days they are too busy, short-handed, or already overbooked and can not accommodate you.

8. How can I get the "Proof of Enrollment" form OL 392 that I will need in order to take my written test?

To obtain DMV form OL 392 and enroll with Referral Driving School you will need to do ONE of the following:

fill out our online form

send a copy of your completion slip from classroom drivers education to:

     Referral Driving School
     7516 Maple Ave #3
     Citrus Heights, CA 95610

Referral will mail you the OL 392 form along with a DMV application and a list of the requirements to take your written test at the DMV. Once you have passed the written test and obtained your permit from the DMV we will schedule your first behind the wheel driving session.

9. Does Referral Driving School offer classroom drivers education?

Yes. We offer a classroom drivers education online program. If you are under 17½ you will need to take the classroom drivers education in order to get your permit. There are several ways to get the classroom portion of your training:

through the high school GSR program
from a private driving school - we recommend:
- Statewide Driving School: (916) 481-5800
  (please mention you were referred by #4096)
over the internet with our online program
- Drivers Education Online Program

Frequently Asked Questions of New Drivers