Complete Your San Diego Driver's Education Course Online

Written by Staff Writer

Looking to find a driver's education school in San Diego? Here is the information you need about state requirements to get a learner's permit and license.

We will even help you sort through the many online driver's ed courses available to find the program that's right for you.

California Driver Education Requirements

All new drivers between the ages of 15.5 and 17.5 must complete a state-approved driver's education course before applying for their first restricted license. This requirement ensures that younger drivers have the training and knowledge to hit the road safely.

This is divided into two components:

  • Driver Education (DE): Your journey starts with 30 hours of classroom or online training, including traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices.
  • Driver Training (DT): Theory is followed by practical behind-the-wheel training. This includes a six-hour training program with a driving instructor and at least 50 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night.

If you are at least 17-and-a-half years old, you can get an instruction permit without the classroom instruction. However, completing the DE portion is still highly recommended.

Steps to Getting Your First License in San Diego

You will need to pass a knowledge test before applying for your permit. This is a multiple-choice test based on the state's driver's handbook. You must get a score of at least 80% to pass.

If you've never had a license, you need an instruction permit — regardless of your age. Those under the age of 18 get a provisional instructional permit. You can get yours after completing the mandatory education course.

You must also meet the training requirements with at least 50 hours of supervised training. For those over 18, you need six months of practice; there is no specific hour requirement.

You can then schedule your road test at the DMV. Your skills will be evaluated by a state representative. Those under 18 will get a provisional license, which authorizes driving with some specific restrictions.

Our driving test checklist can help you learn more about the specific requirements and what you need. Before scheduling your appointment for road testing at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, it's a good idea to double-check any specific requirements.

You can schedule your road test at any of several locations in the San Diego area, including:

  • San Diego DMV: 3960 Normal Street
  • San Diego Clairemont DMV: 4375 Derrick Drive
  • Chula Vista DMV: 30 N Glover Avenue in Chula Vista
  • El Cajon DMV: 1450 Graves Avenue in El Cajon
  • Poway: 13461 Community Road in Poway
  • San Ysidro: 6111 Business Center Court

You can make an appointment online, but you should double-check the days and times for road tests offered at each location.

Driver's Ed Course Available in San Diego, California

It's easy to complete the DE portion of the requirements with an online course. Rather than sitting in a classroom or driving school, you can complete your training at your own pace on your schedule. This is especially helpful if you already have a busy schedule.

Since you do not have to travel to a particular location, you can complete your coursework at home and still get the high-quality instruction you need to complete your learning.

Online Training Options

Finding the best driving schools in San Diego can be hard. You've come to the right place. SafeMotorist is a leading provider of online driver's education in California. Our courses meet all the state requirements for the DE component. Here's why SafeMotorist is an excellent choice for completing your coursework:

  • DMV-Approved: Fully approved by the California DMV, our program meets all state standards and requirements.
  • Interactive and Engaging: Our course features interactive modules, quizzes and real-world scenarios to make learning both effective and enjoyable.
  • Accessible: Our online learning platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to access the course from any device with an internet connection.
  • Flexible: Complete your instruction on your schedule, starting and stopping as necessary. The platform will remember where you left off. Connect whenever you want, 24/7, from any location.

SafeMotorist is a trusted name in driver's ed, offering high-quality instruction for teens and adults alike. Our driving lessons are comprehensive, covering the essential aspects of safe motor vehicle operation and providing the knowledge you need. We will prepare you to pass your licensing test and be a responsible driver.

More than 5 million teens and adults have completed SafeMotorist online training courses. Coursework may be completed 100% online. Live chat and email support are available if needed. We offer state-approved courses in English and Spanish.

You can go further than just the bare-minimum DE instruction. An advanced class can help protect you while you take your first voyages on California's complex road system.

First-Time Driver Drug and Alcohol Class

Teens should also complete a First Time Driver Drug and Alcohol class to learn about the dangers of getting behind the wheel while under the influence. Research shows that teens who take a substance abuse course are less likely to be involved in an alcohol-related accident.

Defensive Driving Training

Motorists of all ages can also benefit from an online defensive driving course. It's an ideal choice for California residents who want to refine their skills, learn advanced maneuvers, reduce insurance rates or meet court-ordered requirements.

One note here: while this course is available statewide, it is not approved for use in San Diego County for the purpose of dismissing traffic tickets. Be sure to check the approved list of counties before enrolling.

Meet Your Permit Requirements

With SafeMotorist, teens can meet their permit requirements in three easy steps:

  1. Pass our online California drivers education course
  2. Take your certificate to your local DMV field office
  3. Get your driver's permit

Online training makes it easy. Register now for online driver education and get started today.