DL 400C and DL 400D official DMV certificates of completion

In California, DL 400C and DL 400D are both official DMV certificates of completion for teen drivers under 18, but they represent different stages in the licensing process. [1, 2]

The main difference at a glance

DL 400C (Driver's Ed certificate)

  • Awarded after completing the mandatory 30 hours of classroom or online driver education. You need this to take your written permit test.

DL 400D (Behind-the-Wheel certificate)

  • Awarded after finishing 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel driving instruction. You need this to take your actual driving/road test. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Breakdown of the certificates

Certificate [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9] What it proves When you get it When you need it
DL 400C You finished the Driver Education classroom/online theory course. After completing your 30-hour coursework (often sent by mail). When you go to the DMV to take your written test and get your learner's permit.
DL 400D You finished the required Behind-the-Wheel driving lessons with a licensed instructor. On the final (third) lesson of your 6-hour professional driving training. When you go to the DMV to take your actual Behind-the-Wheel driving test.
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