Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is your Driver Education Online course approved by the California DMV and does the DMV accept your completion certificates?
Absolutely, yes. We have been offering PEN's (Private Educational Network's) Driver Ed course for the last 10 years and the DMV has always accepted the certificates. As a matter of fact, PEN's course was the first home study Driver Education course in the state.

If you would like to verify that the DMV does indeed accept PEN's Driver Education completion certificates, please contact Ailene Short at DMV headquarters at 916-229-3332 or at ashort@dmv.ca.gov.

2) How old do I have to be to take driver education?
You have to be either 15 years old or be at least a freshman in high school.

3) What do I need to be able to take my DMV written test?
First of all, as of January 1, 2004, the minimum age at which a minor may obtain his or her instruction permit changes from 15 to 15 1/2 years old.

If you are between the ages of 15 1/2 and 17 1/2, you will need to bring with you to the DMV a Certificate of Completion of Driver Education and either a Certificate of Enrollment in Driver Training or a Certificate of Completion of Driver Training.

If you are over 17 1/2 you will not need any driving school issued certificate, but as with all driver license applicants you will need to pay a $12 DMV fee, submit proof of legal presence in the USA, present your social security card, and fill out the appropriate forms. Your parents must also fill out a Parental Consent Form.

If you are over 18, you must do as all persons over 17 1/2 with the exception of submitting the Parental Consent Form.

4) How many attempts do I get to pass my written and driving tests?
You have 3 attempts at each. In the event that you do not pass your written test, you must wait one week before taking it again. If you fail your behind the wheel test, you must wait two weeks before taking it again. For adults, there is no waiting period and one may take their test the next day.

5) What does Pegasus mean?
In Greek mythology, the flying horse was named Pegasus. We chose this name for our driving school as a symbol of the freedom that you will experience once you obtain your license.