What California requires before a teen can test
To take the drive test before age 18, a teen completes driver education and 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel training, logs 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night), and holds the permit for at least six months. For a permit from age 15½, the DMV accepts completed driver education or approved integrated education and training enrollment. Confirm current rules on dmv.ca.gov.
How the 6-hour behind-the-wheel training works
Each lesson is 2 hours, private, in a dual-control SUV with an instructor brake. In Chico the instructor picks up at home or at school and drops off in Chico. Every other town starts at a set meeting point, and the lesson is driven on Chico roads: Orland and Corning at our Chico office; Durham, Oroville, Gridley and Biggs at Durham High School; Paradise at Starbucks on the Skyway or Paradise High School.
- Lesson 1: vehicle controls, residential streets, turns and stops
- Lesson 2: traffic, lane changes, intersections and right-of-way
- Lesson 3: highway merging, hazard scanning and a mock drive test
- After each lesson, parents get written notes and the skills to practice
Teen driving lesson package and price
The 6-hour teen package (Diamond) is three 2-hour lessons on three different days, because the DMV allows no more than 2 hours of behind-the-wheel training per day. Pay for the whole package, or lesson by lesson; the current prices are below, and cash, check or Zelle costs less than card, Venmo or Cash App. When all 6 hours are complete and paid, your teen receives the DL 400D Certificate of Completion of Behind-the-Wheel Training for the DMV drive test.
Pickup from Chico-area high schools
On school days we pick up after classes from Chico High School, Pleasant Valley High School, Inspire School of Arts & Sciences, Fair View High School and other Chico high schools. The school must allow the student to leave.
Not 15½ yet? We’ll remind you
Common questions
How many hours of behind-the-wheel training do teens need in California?
At least 6 hours with a professional driving instructor, and no more than 2 hours per day. Observing another student does not count (California DMV).
How long does the 6-hour behind-the-wheel training take?
Three 2-hour lessons on three different days. You choose the dates; many families spread them across the permit months so practice at home happens in between.
Can a 15-year-old take driving lessons?
Yes, once they hold a California instruction permit, which teens can apply for from age 15½ with completed driver education or approved integrated education and training enrollment. The permit becomes valid for practice after the first hour of professional behind-the-wheel training.
Does my teen need a permit before the first lesson?
Yes. Teens need a valid California instruction permit, and must bring the original permit to every lesson.
Can a parent ride along?
Yes, if space allows, especially in early lessons.
What certificate does my teen get?
After all 6 hours are complete and paid, the DL 400D Certificate of Completion of Behind-the-Wheel Training, which your teen brings to the DMV drive test. Some insurers ask for driver-training certificates; check with your insurance company.
“They actually cared about me learning — not just passing the test. Stallion isn’t like other schools, it’s worth every penny. My instructor showed me real driving skills, not just how to pass. I feel confident on the road now, and I passed my DMV test on the first try!”
Related: Online driver education (step 1, before the permit) · All packages and prices · California behind-the-wheel requirements · What happens at the first lesson · DL 400C and DL 400D certificates · The 50 practice hours · DMV drive test prep