Teen Drivers
Getting Licensed in California
🚗 Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, and Allied Driving School is here to help teen drivers and parents understand each step of the California licensing process. Since 1983, we have provided professional behind-the-wheel instruction throughout Los Angeles County, from online driver’s education and permit preparation to behind-the-wheel training and DMV road test preparation.
📋 California teens must complete a step-by-step licensing process before receiving a driver’s license. This generally includes completing driver’s education, passing the DMV written permit test, completing professional behind-the-wheel training, practicing with a licensed adult, and passing the DMV road test.
✅ Our state-licensed instructors help teen drivers build safe habits, improve awareness, and gain confidence behind the wheel. Lessons focus on observation, lane positioning, proper turns, parking, speed control, decision-making, and the driving skills commonly evaluated during the California DMV driving test.
Your Path to a California Driver’s License
Step 1: Complete Driver’s Education
Teens under age 17½ must complete or be enrolled in a DMV-approved Driver’s Education course before applying for a California learner’s permit. The course covers rules of the road, traffic laws, signs, safe driving habits, and the responsibilities of becoming a licensed driver.
Allied Driving School offers an Online Driver’s Ed Course that allows students to complete their driver’s education requirement at their own pace.
Step 2: Prepare for the DMV Written Permit Test
After completing driver’s education, the next step is preparing for the DMV written exam. This test covers California traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and important rules from the California Driver Handbook.
To help students feel more confident before taking the test, Allied Driving School offers a DMV Written Exam Prep Course with practice tests and study support.
Step 3: Apply for a California Learner’s Permit
A teen may apply for a California instruction permit at age 15½ after completing or enrolling in driver’s education. Applicants must submit the required documents, pay the DMV fee, and pass the written knowledge test.
After passing, the permit becomes valid once the student begins behind-the-wheel training and a professional driving instructor signs it.
Step 4: Begin Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training
California teens must complete professional behind-the-wheel driver training with a licensed driving school. Allied Driving School’s Teen Special Program includes the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Drivers age 18 and older are exempt from this requirement.
Step 5: Practice Driving with a Licensed Adult
In addition to professional driver training, California requires teens to practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. At least 10 of those hours must be completed at night.
Step 6: Hold the Permit for at Least 6 Months
Before scheduling the DMV behind-the-wheel drive test, a teen must be at least 16 years old, hold their instruction permit for at least 6 months, complete driver education and driver training, and complete the required supervised practice hours.
Step 7: Prepare for the DMV Road Test
Once the teen has completed the required training and practice, Allied Driving School can help them prepare for the DMV road test. Our instructors review important driving skills such as proper turns, lane changes, parking, curbside stops, traffic checks, speed control, and safe decision-making.
For students who want additional practice and road test support, we offer DMV Road Test Packages.
DMV Road Test Package 1 is a great option for students who have completed their required training but want extra preparation before the DMV test.
DMV Road Test Package 2 is best for students who need more practice, more confidence, or additional time behind the wheel before taking the DMV road test.
Step 8: Take and Pass the Behind-the-Wheel Test
Once the teen meets all DMV requirements and feels ready, they can take the DMV behind-the-wheel driving test. During the test, the DMV examiner will evaluate the student’s ability to drive safely, follow traffic laws, make proper turns and lane changes, check mirrors and blind spots, park, stop correctly, and make safe decisions on the road.
After passing the behind-the-wheel test, the teen will receive their California provisional driver’s license and can begin driving under the rules and restrictions set by the DMV.
Ready to book?
California Teen Driver FAQs
How old does a teen need to be to get a permit in California?
Teens can apply for a California instruction permit at 15½ years old after completing or being enrolled in an approved Driver Education program.
Who has to take Driver Education in California?
Teens who want to get their California driver’s license before age 18 must complete Driver Education as part of the provisional licensing process. Students under 17½ generally need proof of Driver Education completion or enrollment to obtain their instruction permit.
What if I am 17½ but not yet 18?
If you are at least 17½ but under 18, you may obtain an instruction permit without completing Driver Education or Driver Training. However, you cannot take the DMV behind-the-wheel driving test until you turn 18 unless you complete the required Driver Education and Driver Training requirements for minors.
How long does a teen need to hold a permit before taking the driving test?
A teen must hold their permit for at least 6 months before they can take the DMV behind-the-wheel driving test.
What age can a teen get a driver’s license in California?
A teen must be at least 16 years old, have held their permit for at least 6 months, and meet all DMV Driver Education, Driver Training, and supervised practice requirements.
How many driving lessons are required for teens?
California requires teens to complete 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel Driver Training with a licensed driving school.
How many practice hours are required with a parent or adult?
Teens must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult age 25 or older. At least 10 of those hours must be at night.
Can a teen drive alone with a permit?
No. A teen with an instruction permit must be accompanied by a qualified licensed adult while practicing. The supervising driver must be seated close enough to take control of the vehicle if necessary.
What happens after the teen passes the driving test?
The teen receives a provisional driver’s license. During the first 12 months, California restricts driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM and carrying passengers under age 20 unless a qualifying licensed adult is present. Certain legal exceptions apply.
What is the basic path to getting a teen driver’s license?
The usual path is:
Driver Education → Learner’s Permit → Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training → 6 Months of Practice → 50 Supervised Driving Hours → DMV Driving Test → Provisional Driver’s License
Helpful California DMV Links
🔗 Teen Drivers
Learn about California’s path from a learner’s permit to a provisional driver’s license.
🔗 California Driver Handbooks
Review traffic laws, road signs, driving rules, and safe-driving information.
🔗 Safe Driver Checklist
Review the skills and safety habits needed for the DMV behind-the-wheel test.
🔗 Sample Driver’s License Knowledge Tests
Practice with official DMV sample questions before taking the written knowledge test.
CA DMV Tips To Pass Your Driving Test
California DMV Road Signs
Service Areas and Rates
Standard Service Areas
Standard pricing applies to nearby Los Angeles service areas, including Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Echo Park, Lincoln Park, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Central/South Glendale, and nearby central Los Angeles neighborhoods.
* Extended Service Areas *
Extended pricing may apply to North Glendale, Burbank, Beverly Hills, Century City, Culver City, Westwood, Brentwood, Van Nuys, and Pasadena. Pricing may vary by location.
All Behind-The-Wheel Driving Lessons and DMV Road Tests include home or work pickup and drop-off.
Packages
Teens' Special Package 6-Hours, 3 Lessons - $360 - *$480
DMV Road Test Package 1 - $520 - *$660 (7 Hours, 3 Lessons + Road Test)
DMV Road Test Package 2 - $760 - *$980 (11 Hours, 5 Lessons + Road Test)
Individual Pricing
1-Hour Lesson Available 7 Days a Week - $100 - *$140
2-Hour Lesson Available 7 Days a Week - $140 - *$180
DMV Road Test Service - $180 - *$240 (With 1 Hour Warm-Up Lesson)
DMV Road Test Service - $260 - *$320 (With 2 Hour Warm-Up Lesson)
Online Programs
Online Driver's Ed - $39.99
DMV Written Exam Practice - $21.95
Payment Terms, Package Completion Timeframes & Cancellation Fees
Electronic payments must be made by phone at (323) 660-7355 at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. A 3% processing fee will be added to all credit/debit card transactions. Cash payments are accepted at the flat listed price and are due in full at the time of pickup.
The six-hour Teen Driver Training Package and Road Test Package 1 each include three two-hour behind-the-wheel lessons. All three lessons must be completed within 30 calendar days following the first lesson.
Road Test Package 2 includes five two-hour behind-the-wheel lessons. All five lessons must be completed within 45 calendar days following the first lesson.
Lessons should be scheduled in advance and are subject to instructor availability. All cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled appointment. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice, including same-day cancellations, and missed appointments will result in forfeiture of the amount paid for that appointment. If the appointment has not been paid for, a cancellation fee equal to the appointment price will be due before another appointment can be scheduled. For package bookings, the affected lesson will be deducted from the package balance, and a replacement lesson must be purchased separately. Forfeited lessons do not count toward completed training hours.
Student cancellations or missed appointments do not extend the completion period. School-caused cancellations will extend the deadline and will not result in a cancellation fee or loss of prepaid lesson time. Exceptions to cancellation charges and additional extensions may be approved for documented illness or emergencies.
These completion periods apply to the instructional lessons. The DMV road test service included in a road test package will be scheduled separately based on the student’s eligibility and DMV appointment availability.
A Certificate of Completion of Driver Training will be issued only after the student completes the six hours of training required by the California DMV.
If a student withdraws or stops training before completing the required hours, Allied Driving School will, upon request, provide a certified copy or transcript showing the amount and type of training completed, as required by 13 CCR §340.27.
DMV Road Test Offices Served
We pick you up one hour before your scheduled DMV road test appointment, giving you time for a recap lesson and a chance to get comfortable with the vehicle before the test.
DMV locations within 5 miles of your pickup location are included; DMV locations more than 5 miles away are subject to an additional $30 travel charge.
Standard DMV Road Test Locations
$180 With 1 Hour Warm-Up Lesson & $260 With 2 Hour Warm-Up Lesson
Hollywood DMV — 803 Cole Ave, Hollywood, CA 90038
West Hollywood DMV — 936 N Formosa Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90046
Los Angeles DMV — 3615 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Lincoln Park DMV — 3529 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Glendale DMV — 1335 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201
* Extended DMV Road Test Locations *
$240 With 1 Hour Warm-Up Lesson & $320 With 2 Hour Warm-Up Lesson
Culver City DMV — 11400 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90066
Inglewood DMV — 621 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90302
Pasadena DMV — 49 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107
Santa Monica DMV — 2235 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Bell Gardens DMV — 6801 S Garfield Ave, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
Montebello DMV — 424 N Wilcox Ave, Montebello, CA 90640
Hawthorne DMV — 3700 W El Segundo Boulevard, Hawthorne, CA 90250
Van Nuys DMV — 14920 Vanowen St, Van Nuys, CA 91405
Arleta DMV — 14400 Van Nuys Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331
Local High Schools Served
We serve students from high schools throughout Los Angeles and nearby communities, offering professional behind-the-wheel driving lessons to help teen drivers build safe driving skills and prepare for their California driver’s license.
Central City Value High School
Larchmont Charter High School
Belmont Senior High School
John Marshall High School
Downtown Magnets High School
Hollywood High School
Los Angeles High School
Fairfax High School
Loyola High School of Los Angeles
Immaculate Heart Middle & High School
"Fully Insured and Bonded Since 1983"
DMV-Accredited Driving School Lic. # E2640
Competent, Courteous, and Patient Instructors
Automatic and Stick Shift Lessons
Dual Control-Equipped Vehicles (Drivable From Passenger Side)
Liability Insured and Fully Bonded Since 1983
Home and Work Pickup 7 days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM (after-hours available)
Languages Spoken: English-Spanish
Special Attention to Senior Citizens and Nervous Drivers
Small Compact Cars - Easy To Handle and Maneuver
Most Competitive Rates in Town