Teenagers who apply for a learner’s permit in California must submit Form DL 400B or DL 400C to the state’s DMV. Both documents confirm the completion of driver’s ed, but DL 400C is issued by online schools, whereas DL 400B is provided by traditional schools.
Obtaining your pink slip, or Form DL 400C, isn’t difficult, but you must follow certain steps. Here’s how to get this certificate — and why you need it in the first place.
What Is Form DL 400?
Form DL 400 is a certificate issued by DMV-licensed driving schools. It proves that a student under 18 has completed driver’s education (DE) or driver’s training (DT).
This document has three versions, depending on the course format and type:
- DL 400B: Issued by classroom-based schools for completing driver’s ed.
- DL 400C: Issued by online driver’s education schools like Traffic Safety Institute.
- DL 400D: Issued by driving schools for completing behind-the-wheel training.
Teens under 18 must submit Form DL 400B or DL 400C to the DMV to apply for a learner’s permit before starting driver’s training. Think of it as your official “green light” to move forward in the licensing process.
Once you have completed driver training, book an appointment with the DMV and submit Form DL 400D. You’ll receive the certificate from the school you’re enrolled in.
Applicants must also fill out Form DL 44 when applying for a learner’s permit (under age 18) or driver’s license (over age 18). If you’re under 18, you must have this form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Read: Online Driver’s Ed in California: Everything You Need to Know
How to Obtain Form DL 400C
Form DL 400C confirms that you’ve completed driver’s education at an online school approved by the DMV. This document is also referred to as a pink slip because it’s printed on pink paper.
When can you start driver’s ed in California? California teens can start driver’s ed at age 15 ½ to get their pink slip and learner’s permit. Follow these steps:
- Find a DMV-approved driving school: Access the DMV’s database to find a licensed course provider. Or you can sign up directly with Traffic Safety Institute, which offers a state-approved California driver’s ed course you can complete at your own pace from any device.
- Complete the course: Driver’s education requires 30 hours of study divided into several lessons. Each lesson, or module, ends with a short quiz. Review these materials thoroughly, then take and pass a final exam to complete the course. At Traffic Safety Institute, you can retake the test as many times as needed until you get a passing score. (100% of our students pass!)
- Obtain your pink slip: The school will mail you Form 400C shortly after you pass driver’s ed. At Traffic Safety Institute, our team will process your completion information within one or two business days and then ship your pink slip for free. Expect to receive it within two to three business days, depending on where you live. We’ll issue an electronic copy that you can download immediately after completing our course.
Wait to receive your certificate by mail, then submit it along with other required documents to the California DMV.
Next, take your driver’s permit test online or in person to demonstrate your knowledge of traffic laws and regulations. You’ll also need to pass a vision exam as part of your application for a learner’s permit. Once you have your permit, you can begin driver training to prepare for your behind-the-wheel test.
Why Choose Traffic Safety Institute?
Driver’s education is easy and stress-free for students who choose Traffic Safety Institute’s California driver’s ed course. Our online course features engaging lessons with audio read-alongs, interactive quizzes, and video content for a smooth learning experience. Plus, the final exam is open-book, so you can access your notes and study materials as needed.
We’re one of the few driving schools in California that offers an all-inclusive driver’s ed program. Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ 15 lessons with easy-to-follow material.
✅ Practice quizzes designed to test your knowledge.
✅ Free audio read-along.
✅ Save-and-resume feature.
✅ Unlimited retakes.
✅ Live chat support around the clock.
✅ Instant electronic certificate.
✅ Physical certificate shipped (DL 400C) for free.
Did we mention that you can study at your convenience from anywhere? Sign in and out as needed, access the course from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and go over each lesson without feeling rushed.
If you’re wondering how much California driver’s ed costs, we charge a one-time fee of only $29.99. This means you don’t have to pay extra for course retakes, audio read-alongs, or other perks. Everything is included in the price.
Getting your pink slip has never been easier. Start driver’s ed with Traffic Safety Institute today. (And don’t forget to use our California driver’s ed promo code for an extra discount!)
