Driver’s Education

If you’re under 17½, California requires 30 hours of DMV-approved driver’s education before you can apply for your permit. Online and in-person courses both qualify — as long as the course is state-approved.

What you need to know

Completion earns you Form OL 237 — required at the DMV to get your permit
Online courses cost $30–$80, classroom courses $150–$300
If you’re 17½ or older, driver’s ed is not required — skip to Step 2
Look for courses explicitly listed as DMV-approved — not all are
Keep a photo of your OL 237 in case the original is lost

We partner with three DMV-approved online programs. All qualify for your OL 237 completion certificate.

Aceable

Online Driver’s Ed

Built for teens who won’t sit still for a textbook. Aceable’s DMV-approved course runs entirely on your phone — short modules, animations, and interactive checkpoints that actually hold attention. Ace Mode targets your weak spots as you go, so you’re studying smarter, not longer. Progress saves across all devices.

Enroll at Aceable →

DriversEd.com

Online Driver’s Ed

California’s most established online program. DMV-approved, self-paced, works on any device. Includes the required 30 hours and the completion certificate you need to apply for your permit.

Enroll at DriversEd.com →

GETDRIVERSED.COM

Online Driver’s Ed

A straightforward DMV-approved course designed for California teens. Self-paced and fully online — complete the required 30 hours on your own schedule and receive your OL 237 certificate when you’re done.

Enroll at GETDRIVERSED.COM →

View DMV-approved courses at dmv.ca.gov

Passing Lane may earn a referral fee when you enroll in a partner course. This never affects our recommendations — we only partner with DMV-approved programs.