DL 396B Form – If you operate a private secondary school, homeschool, or private school satellite program (PSSP) in California and want to offer non-classroom driver education (online, correspondence, or distance-learning courses), the DL 396B form is your essential first step. This official California DMV document certifies that your curriculum meets state standards, allowing you to receive and issue DMV-approved Certificates of Completion (such as DL 387C).
Below is your complete, up-to-date resource with the direct DL 396B PDF download, step-by-step instructions, requirements, and tips to get approved quickly.
What Is the DL 396B Form?
The DL 396B is officially titled “Private Secondary School Non-Classroom Driver Education Curriculum Certification.” It is a one-page DMV form (Revision 5/2010) that private secondary schools use to certify their non-classroom driver education program.
Non-classroom driver education includes internet-based, correspondence, or other distance-learning courses that satisfy California Education Code § 51220.6(c) and Vehicle Code requirements. Once approved, the DMV supplies your school with official certificates of satisfactory completion that students need to obtain their learner’s permit and provisional driver’s license.
Who Needs to File the DL 396B Form?
You must complete and submit the DL 396B if:
- You are a private secondary school, homeschool, or PSSP filing a Private School Affidavit (PSA) with the California Department of Education.
- You plan to teach non-classroom driver education (online or home-study format).
- You want to issue DMV-recognized Certificates of Completion (DL 387C – green paper for private secondary schools).
Public schools and licensed commercial driving schools do not use this form. Note: Certificates may only be issued to students who attend your school full-time during the day and successfully complete the course.
Key Requirements for Non-Classroom Driver Education Certification
To qualify for DMV certificates, your school must meet these official requirements:
- Provide a current copy of your Private School Affidavit (PSA) on file with the California Department of Education (per §33190 of the Education Code).
- Use the official DMV Driver Education Lesson Plan (available at dmv.ca.gov/forms/ol/ol236.pdf) OR certify that your curriculum is educationally equivalent after reviewing the full DMV plan.
- Submit the completed DL 396B along with the DL 396 (Authorization/Requisition) and DL 396A (Driver Education Supply Request).
- Return the annual DL 803 form (Driver Education/Behind-the-Wheel Training issuance report) after the first year.
All forms remain under the exclusive control of your school. The signatory must be the owner, officer, administrator, or principal—no instructors or representatives.
How to Complete and Submit the DL 396B Form (Step-by-Step)?
- Download the official PDF (link below).
- Fill in:
- School name
- School owner/officer/administrator/principal (print first and last name)
- School address, city, state, ZIP
- School contact phone number
- Check the appropriate box confirming you either use the DMV curriculum or your curriculum is educationally equivalent.
- Print your name, sign, enter your title, and date (under penalty of perjury).
- Mail the completed DL 396B plus DL 396, DL 396A, and current PSA to the DMV address listed on the forms packet.
Processing typically allows the DMV to issue your supply of certificates once approved.
Direct Download: Official DL 396B PDF (2025 Updated Link)
Download the latest DL 396B Form here:
DL 396B – Private Secondary Non-Classroom Driver Education Curriculum Certification PDF
This is the official, direct link from the California DMV website (uploaded May 2025). Always use this version to ensure compliance.
Related DMV Forms You’ll Need
- DL 396 – Authorization/Requisition for Driver Instruction Forms
- DL 396A – Driver Education Supply Request
- DL 803 – Annual Driver Education/Behind-the-Wheel Training Report (filed yearly after year one)
- DL 387C – Certificate of Completion of Non-Classroom Driver Education (issued to your students)
All are available on the DMV’s Vehicle Industry Services page.
Benefits of Using the DL 396B for Non-Classroom Driver Ed
- Flexibility – Perfect for online or home-study programs.
- Legal compliance – Meets California Vehicle Code and Education Code standards.
- Student convenience – Teens can complete driver education at their own pace from home.
- Cost-effective – No need for a physical classroom or licensed commercial instructor.
- DMV recognition – Students receive the exact certificate required for a learner’s permit at age 15½.
Private schools and homeschools across California successfully use this process every year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DL 396B
Is the form still current in 2025–2026?
Yes. The DMV continues to use the May 2010 revision, and the official PDF link above is the current version hosted on dmv.ca.gov.
Can homeschool families use DL 396B?
Absolutely. Any private secondary school or PSSP with a valid PSA qualifies.
How long does approval take?
DMV processing time varies; submit with your PSA renewal for fastest results.
Where do I mail the forms?
Follow the instructions on the DL 396 packet or check the latest DMV Vehicle Industry Services contact details.
What if I already offer classroom driver ed?
Use DL 396B only for non-classroom programs. Separate processes apply for classroom instruction.
Get Started Today
Ready to offer non-classroom driver education at your private school or homeschool? Download the DL 396B PDF, gather your current PSA, and submit your packet to the California DMV. This simple certification unlocks official driver education certificates that help your students get on the road safely and legally.
For the most accurate information, always refer to the official California DMV website and forms. Safe driving!
Last updated: April 2026 – All information sourced directly from California DMV publications and forms.