DL 396 Form – The DL 396 Form, officially titled Authorization/Requisition for Driver Instruction Forms, is an essential California DMV document used by secondary schools to request official driver education and behind-the-wheel training forms and certificates. Revised in April 2010 (DL 396 REV. 4/2010), this form allows public schools, private schools, home schools, and private school satellite programs (PSSP) to obtain DMV-controlled materials needed for issuing valid Certificates of Completion to students.
Schools use the DL 396 PDF to comply with California Education Code requirements for driver instruction programs. Without this authorization, institutions cannot legally issue DMV-recognized driver education certificates, which students need for their learner’s permit or driver’s license applications.
Purpose of the DL 396 Authorization for Driver Instruction Forms
The primary purpose of the DL 396 Form is to requisition DMV driver instruction forms and certificates for classroom or non-classroom driver education and behind-the-wheel training. It ensures that only authorized secondary schools (grades 9–12 level) can provide these materials to students enrolled in full-time programs.
Key goals include:
- Verifying that the school meets California Education Code §§51850, 51851, 51220(j), and related sections.
- Allowing private schools and home schools to prove compliance with Private School Affidavit (PSA) requirements under §§33190 and 33191.
- Enabling schools to order supplies for the current school year (September through August, including summer sessions).
This form is part of a suite of driver education documents that includes DL 396A (Driver Education Supply Request) and DL 396B (Private Secondary Non-Classroom Driver Education Curriculum Certification).
Who Needs to Complete the DL 396 Form?
The DL 396 Form is required by:
- Public secondary schools and charter schools teaching driver education at the high school level.
- Private secondary schools compliant with California Education Code §§33190 and 33191.
- Home schools and Private School Satellite Programs (PSSP) offering classroom or non-classroom driver education and behind-the-wheel training.
- School administrators, owners, officers, or principals responsible for driver instruction programs.
Instructors (including parent-teachers in home schools) must be listed, and non-credentialed instructors may require fingerprinting for criminal record summaries (with exemptions for parents teaching only their own child). The form is ideal for homeschool families in California who want to provide accredited driver education through their private school filing.
How to Download the Official DL 396 PDF?
You can download the free, official DL 396 Form PDF directly from the California DMV website. The most current version is available here:
Download Link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2025/05/DL-396-R4-2010-ASB-WWW.pdf
Always use the official DMV source to ensure you have the latest authorized form. The file is fillable and ready for printing or digital completion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the DL 396 Form
Completing the DL 396 PDF is straightforward when you follow the sections exactly. Print in ink or type all information.
Section 1: Requester Information
- Check the appropriate box: Public Secondary School, Private Secondary School, or Home School/Private School Satellite Program.
- Enter school name, CDS Code (if issued), School I.D. Number (if issued), requester’s name and title, phone number, and date.
- Provide complete mailing and delivery addresses (no P.O. Boxes for delivery). Indicate if addresses are new.
Section 2: To Be Completed by All Requesters
Check all applicable boxes confirming your school offers driver education/behind-the-wheel training as part of the full-time curriculum per California Education Code.
Section 3: Private Schools, Home Schools, and PSSP Only
- Attach a current copy of your Private School Affidavit (PSA).
- Check boxes confirming compliance with driver education curriculum rules.
- For non-classroom (online/correspondence) programs, complete and attach DL 396B.
Section 4: Secondary School Age Students
Estimate the number of students to be enrolled in:
- Driver Education Only (Classroom)
- Driver Education Only (Non-Classroom)
- Behind-the-Wheel Only
- Total enrollment (must not exceed PSA-reported secondary school age students).
Section 5: Driver Education/Behind-the-Wheel Instructors
List all instructors’ names, printed names, signatures, and indicate teaching credential or criminal record summary status. Attach additional sheets if needed.
Section 6: Certification
The owner, officer, administrator, or principal (not an instructor or secretary) must sign under penalty of perjury, printing their name, title, and date.
Tip: Retain a copy for your records and submit the original.
Required Supporting Documents for DL 396 Submission
To avoid delays, include:
- Current Private School Affidavit (PSA) for private/home schools.
- DL 396B for non-classroom driver education programs.
- Two sets of fingerprints (if required) for non-credentialed instructors.
- DL 396A if requesting specific supply quantities.
Where to Submit the Completed DL 396 Form?
Mail the original completed DL 396 Form to:
Occupational Licensing Section
P.O. Box 932342, MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
Processing times vary; contact the DMV Occupational Licensing Section for status updates. Forms are typically issued for the current school year only.
Common Questions About the DL 396 Form (FAQs)
Is the DL 396 Form only for public schools?
No. Private schools, home schools, and PSSPs are fully eligible when they meet Education Code requirements.
Can parents in a home school sign as instructors?
Yes. Parents teaching only their own child are exempt from criminal record summary requirements.
How often do I need to submit DL 396?
Submit once per school year or when requesting new forms. Use DL-803 annually afterward to report issued forms.
\Where can I find related forms like DL 396A and DL 396B?
All are available on the official California DMV website under Driver Education Forms.
Why Use the Official California DMV DL 396 Form?
Using the authorized DL 396 PDF ensures compliance with state law, prevents rejection of student driver education certificates at the DMV, and protects your school’s ability to offer legitimate instruction. Third-party or outdated forms may not be accepted.
Conclusion: Get Started with Your DL 396 Form Today
The DL 396 Form: Authorization for Driver Instruction Forms PDF is the gateway for California schools to provide official driver education. Whether you run a public high school, private academy, or home school program, downloading and submitting this form from the official DMV link above keeps your students on track for safe driving.
For the most current information, always visit dmv.ca.gov and use the provided download link. Proper completion helps California students meet driver licensing requirements efficiently and legally.