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Resource Center / Become a Driving Instructor

How to become a driving instructor in California.

A practical overview of where professional training fits—and what to verify with DMV before you apply.

Becoming a California driving school instructor involves more than taking one online class. The course is the education component of a broader occupational licensing process, and applicants should use California DMV as the final authority for current forms, qualifications and documentation.

Where the 40-hour online course fits

The current program offered through Driving School Lesson Plans lets an applicant complete 40 hours of classroom-style instructor education online. After completion, the student receives a 40-hour certificate to give to the driving school that will complete the remaining in-car preparation portion.

You still need a driving school for the in-car portion

The online course is intentionally positioned as the first part of the training pathway, not as a complete license-in-a-box. Your driving school completes the remaining preparation and provides the applicable completion documentation.

Then complete the DMV process

California DMV controls the instructor-license process. Verify the current application, education, background, testing, medical and employment requirements that apply to you before filing.

Your next step

If the 40-hour online option fits your situation, review the course page and registration link. If you are a school owner looking to train multiple instructors, the school curriculum product may be the better fit.