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California · Driver Education Instructors · 2026 renewal guide

How to Renew Your California Driver Education Instructor License

California driver education instructors must complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as required by California DMV, Occupational Licensing.

Written by the TradesCE compliance team · Verified against the California DMV, Occupational Licensing rule on September 4, 2026.

CE hours
18 hours
Renewal cycle
Every year
Next deadline
Per license
Exam to renew
Not required

Who has to renew

This guide covers California driver education instructors holding a All licensees license. Requirements are set by California DMV, Occupational Licensing.

When to renew

California driver education instructors licenses renew every year, on the schedule your board assigns to your license. Continuing education must be complete before you submit the renewal. (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=11105)

The continuing education California requires

California DMV, Occupational Licensing requires 18 hours of approved continuing education every year. The hours must cover these topics:

  • traffic safety
  • teaching techniques
  • teaching of driver instruction

How to renew, step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm your license class and renewal date

    California sets driver education instructors requirements by license class (All licensees). Check the class printed on your license, then note your renewal date — renewals run the schedule your board assigns to your license.

  2. 2

    Complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education

    California DMV, Occupational Licensing requires 18 hours every year, including traffic safety, teaching techniques, teaching of driver instruction. Do not leave it for the last week — completions must be on file before the deadline.

    See the California driver education instructors course
  3. 3

    Save your certificate of completion

    Download the certificate the moment you finish and keep it with your license records.

  4. 4

    Make sure your hours reach the board

    In California, you keep your certificate of completion and present it to the board if asked.

  5. 5

    Renew with California DMV, Occupational Licensing

    Submit your renewal through the board’s online portal and pay the renewal fee before the deadline. A late renewal usually means a late fee, and a lapsed license can mean re-applying from scratch.

    Go to California DMV, Occupational Licensing

California driver education instructor renewal FAQ

How many continuing education hours do California driver education instructors need?
California driver education instructors must complete 18 hours of board-approved continuing education every year, as set by California DMV, Occupational Licensing.
What topics are required for California driver education instructors continuing education?
California DMV, Occupational Licensing requires coverage of: traffic safety; teaching techniques; teaching of driver instruction.
Can California driver education instructors complete continuing education online?
Yes. Board-approved online courses count toward the California requirement; timed seat-time and completion records satisfy audit requirements.

Sources