Getting your driver’s license is an exciting milestone in California. While each state has different driver’s education requirements, most agree that time behind the wheel is essential. So how many practice driving hours are needed to qualify for a license in California?
How Many Hours of Driving Are Required in California?
The state of California requires that you complete 50 hours of practice driving before you can apply for your driver’s license. This includes:
- 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice with a licensed driving instructor
- 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving practice with a licensed adult over 25 years old
- 38 remaining hours of behind-the-wheel practice driving with licensed adults or driving instructors
So in total, you need 50 hours of supervised driving practice before you can take your behind-the-wheel driving test and qualify for your license.
Breaking Down the 50 Hours
Let’s take a closer look at what’s required during those 50 hours:
6 Hours with a Driving Instructor
The first 6 hours must be completed with a licensed driving instructor, either through a driving school or independent instructor. During these sessions, the instructor will teach you the basics of driving, including:
- Proper hand placement on the wheel
- Use of mirrors and blind spots
- Starting, stopping, accelerating, braking
- Backing up and parallel parking
- Obeying traffic signs, signals, and laws
- Lane changes and merging
- Navigating intersections and turns
- Freeway and highway driving
An instructor provides professional guidance to help you practice good driving habits from the start.
6 Hours with a Licensed Adult
The next 6 hours must be completed with a licensed adult over 25 years old, like a parent, guardian, or family friend. During these practice drives, you can work on:
- Driving in familiar neighborhoods and areas
- Following appropriate speed limits
- Practicing turns, lane changes, parking
- Driving on low-traffic roads
- Obeying all rules of the road
These sessions help you gain experience driving with someone who can provide coaching and feedback.
38 Hours with Licensed Adults or Instructors
For the remaining 38 hours, you can drive with licensed adults like parents or family friends, and/or continue lessons with an instructor. During these sessions, you should focus on:
- Driving in challenging conditions like night driving, bad weather, or heavy traffic
- Practicing on faster roads and highways
- Navigating complicated intersections and multi-lane roads
- Improving your parking, turning, and reversing
- Becoming a more confident, defensive driver
This extensive supervised practice helps ensure you gain experience driving in a wide variety of real-world situations before your license exam.
Tips for Getting the Most from Practice Driving
Here are some tips to help you make the most progress during your required driving hours:
- Mix up locations and conditions. Don’t just drive the same quiet streets every time. Practice in city traffic, on highways, in parking lots, etc. Drive at night and in bad weather when possible.
- Actively practice skills. Don’t just cruise around. Work on specific skills like parking, turning, lane changes, starts/stops, and more.
- Focus intently. Don’t distract yourself with music, friends, or devices. Pay full attention to developing your driving abilities.
- Get feedback. Ask your supervisor to provide constructive feedback on what you need to improve.
- Stay calm. Don’t get frustrated. Use driving time to build your confidence.
- Be open to instruction. Listen to your supervisors and follow their coaching so you can improve.
If you use your practice driving time wisely, you’ll gain the essential skills necessary to pass your test and drive safely for a lifetime.
Logging Your 50 Hours of Driving
In California, you must log your behind-the-wheel driving time on an official DMV form called the Certificate of Completion. This proves you completed the required hours before taking your test. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Certificate of Completion includes space to log each driving session, including date, time, location, driving conditions, skills practiced, and supervisor’s signature.
- Fill it out carefully after each practice session. Don’t wait until the end.
- Have your driving supervisor sign to certify each session.
- You, your parent/guardian, and your instructor must sign the form.
- Submit the completed form at your licensing exam.
Maintaining an accurate driving log ensures you meet the state requirements and provides documentation if questions arise.
Sample Driving Log
Here is an example snippet from a California driving log to demonstrate proper completion:
| Date | Hours | Location/Conditions | Skills Practiced | Supervisor Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12/22 | 1.5 hours | Neighborhood streets, light rain | Wiper use, turning, parking | Mary Smith |
| 5/15/22 | 2 hours | Parking lot & highway driving | Backing up, lane changes, merging | Bob Johnson |
What Happens at the End of 50 Hours?
Once you complete your required 50 hours of supervised driving practice, here’s what comes next:
- Schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. This appointment is with the CA DMV to show your driving skills.
- Bring all needed documents. This includes ID, Certificate of Completion, other forms.
- Take the on-road driving test. A DMV examiner will assess your driving abilities.
- Pass and get your permit. If you pass, you’ll receive your learner’s permit on the spot.
- Practice more! Continue sharpening your skills with a licensed adult until you’re ready for your license.
- Take the license exam. When ready, schedule your CA license exam.
- Get your license! With a passing score, you’ll receive your driver’s license.
It may seem like a long process, but it’s incredibly worthwhile for gaining the skills to safely operate a vehicle for a lifetime. Drive carefully, and good luck!
Helpful Resources
For more guidance on meeting California’s driver education requirements, check out these helpful resources:
