getting your drivers license

It has been a long time since I got my driver’s license. But, now my daughter is in the process of getting her license and it has me thinking back about what I did to get mine. I remember it being a pretty easy process.  My dad took me one morning to drive around the middle school parking lot to show me how things worked. In high school you took driver's education, I did some behind the wheel classes with a driving instructor and then I went down to take my test when I turned 16.  I took the written part first, got 100 percent and then literally drove around the block with someone at the DMV.  After passing the test and the driving exam I walked out with a flashy new drivers license.  
When I tell people my daughter is getting her permit and if they have kids who are about to drive they are quick to ask how they get their license these days. In California it’s a pretty simple process. For some reason people don't think kids can get their license at 16. They sure can, but you need to start the process early. Starting at 15 ½ they can get their permit. Now, you need to complete your online driving course hours before you go down to take the written test. You can do that at numerous driving school websites. Once you complete your online class you can pick up a certificate of completion and head down to the DMV. After finishing the test and passing you then need to have your permit signed off by a driving instructor. Once that is complete the kids need to start doing their 50 hours of driving with a parent or guardian. Six months after you get your permit you can go back to get your driver’s license. You also have the option to do a combined classroom and behind the wheel course. With that one, you register for the class, you take proof that you are registered and then you go do the written test. After that you complete the classroom work and behind the wheel hours.
How does auto insurance work for your kids once they have a permit? No matter what company you have your insurance with you will need to add your permitted driver onto the auto policy. Many companies won’t charge for your child until they actually get their license. Other companies will start charging at a certain age. You’ll want to check with your insurance company to see how they handle things. Additionally, you will probably want to shop your rates at this point. Insurance companies can charge dramatically different rates for young drivers. You will also want to see what the cost is if you add a car too. If you are thinking about buying your new driver a new car you had better get ready to pay a huge increase in your insurance. If you are putting them in an older car that has less coverage your rates will be much more reasonable.
Steps to get your license in California

1. Complete Your Drivers Course (get certificate to take with you to DMV)
2. Study for the written Driver’s test
3. Go to DMV to take the test
4. Get your permit signed by a driving school
5. Practice driving! You will need to complete a driving course with a driving school and practice with your parents for 50 hours.
6. After six months take your behind the wheel test at the DMV, pass and you are done!

Don't go out and buy your teen driver a new car until you shop the insurance rates. I have had plenty of parents that are trying to do something nice for their kids only to find out the cost of insurance is equal to the cost of the car payment. Also, don't reduce your liability limits to offset the cost of your new driver. You always want to make sure you have plenty of liability coverage, young drivers are the highest risk you can add to your insurance. It's also a good time to think about getting an umbrella policy to protect your assets too. Call me if you want to compare your rates. 951-395-0754.