Frequently Asked Questions of New Drivers

• 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?

1. 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
   • over the internet with our online program:
     • Drivers Education Online Program
2. You must be at least 15½ years old.
3. 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)
   • $35.00 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.
   • as of July 2010 you no longer need the "Proof of Enrollment" in drivers training form OL 392
4. Successfully pass the DMV written test within 3 attempts and receive a permit to drive once validated by a licensed driving instructor.
5. 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.

• 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 booked 35-45 days in advance)

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

• 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.

• 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

• make another appointment (DMV's are usually booked 35-45 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.

The DMV used to require the OL 392 proof of enrollment form in order for you to take your written test. However, as of July 2010 this is no longer a requirement of the DMV. You do not need this form.

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
• over the internet with our online program
  • Drivers Education Online Program

We are happy to say that refund requests are rare, and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note, Referral Driving School has the right to enforce a NO REFUND POLICY.