Top 5 Questions People ask before Getting their Dealer License
April 14th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
If you're looking to become a licensed car dealer in California, you're in the right place. At California Dealer Academy, we specialize in helping aspiring dealers navigate the licensing process with confidence and ease. Below, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions we receive about our program, the DMV requirements, and the path to getting licensed in California.
1. How Long Does the Course Take?
The California DMV mandates that all pre-license education providers deliver a minimum 6-hour course. This is a state requirement and is not optional. California Dealer Academy offers a self-paced online training program that meets this exact requirement, giving you the flexibility to complete the material on your schedule without cutting corners.
While the course is technically 6 hours long, you don't have to complete it in one sitting. Many of our students choose to break the course up over a few days, while others complete it in a single day. The platform remembers your progress, so you can log in and out as needed.
Here’s What the Timeline Looks Like:
- Total Course Time: 6 hours minimum (required by law)
- Self-Paced: Start and stop anytime
- Progress Tracking: Your place is saved automatically
- Review-Friendly: Go back and rewatch modules if needed
We recommend setting aside focused time to absorb the content. Although the material is designed to be straightforward, it's important to understand the responsibilities and regulations you'll be held to as a licensed California dealer. After all, this isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about running a compliant and successful business.
2. Is This Valid for the California DMV?
Yes—our course is fully certified and approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Completing this course through California Dealer Academy satisfies the DMV’s pre-license education requirement for anyone applying for:
- A Used Vehicle Dealer License (Retail or Wholesale)
- A Dealer with an Auto Broker Endorsement
- Or a Combined Retail/Wholesale License
Our curriculum has been reviewed and authorized under the guidelines of California Vehicle Code Section 11704.1. The DMV requires that all applicants complete this pre-license education course and submit a certificate of completion as part of the licensing application packet.
In short, if you want to become a licensed dealer in California, you must take this course. Taking it through California Dealer Academy ensures that you’re getting compliant, up-to-date instruction from industry professionals who understand the process inside and out.
3. When Do I Get My Certificate?
Once you complete the full 6-hour course and pass the final quiz, you will be eligible to receive your Certificate of Completion. However, it is not issued automatically.
To ensure your identity and compliance with California DMV regulations, you must upload a copy of your valid California Driver’s License or State-Issued ID to our student portal before your certificate can be processed.
Here's the Step-by-Step Process:
- Complete the entire 6-hour course
- Pass the final quiz (don’t worry—it’s open book and multiple choice)
- Upload your valid California Driver’s License or State ID to the student portal
- Our team will review your documents and process your certificate
- Certificate of Completion is emailed to you as a downloadable PDF
Please allow 24–48 hours for certificate processing after uploading your ID. If there are any issues (such as a blurry upload or mismatched name), we’ll contact you right away to resolve it.
This extra step ensures that only qualified individuals receive DMV credit for the course and that all legal requirements are met.
4. What Are the System Requirements?
We’ve designed the course to be simple and accessible, no matter what device you're using. Whether you're on a desktop computer at your office, a laptop at home, or a smartphone on the go, the California Dealer Academy course is optimized to work seamlessly.
Minimum System Requirements:
- A computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- An active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
- A modern browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge)
- Speakers or headphones for video playback
The course features a combination of text-based content, interactive slides, and short video modules. You’ll need sound enabled to hear explanations, but everything is designed to work even on lower-end devices or slower connections.
If you ever encounter technical issues, our support team is just an email or phone call away. Most issues are resolved quickly by switching browsers or restarting the device.
5. Do I Need to Take a Test?
Yes, but it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. At the end of the course, you’ll take a short final quiz designed to ensure you’ve understood the most important legal and operational responsibilities of being a dealer in California.
Quiz Highlights:
- Format: Multiple choice
- Open Book: You can refer to course materials during the quiz
- Unlimited Attempts: No penalty for incorrect answers
- Passing Score Required to Receive Your Certificate
The quiz is meant to reinforce your understanding, not trick you. Most students pass on the first try. If you don’t, you’ll get feedback and can try again as many times as needed.
Once you pass the quiz and upload your valid California ID, your certificate will be processed for DMV submission.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own dealership in California can be an incredibly rewarding business venture, but the first step is getting licensed. California Dealer Academy makes it easy, reliable, and fully compliant.
With a 6-hour, DMV-approved online course, real human support, and a streamlined path to your certificate, there’s no reason to delay.
Ready to take the first step?
Enroll Now and let us help you get licensed — the right way
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you succeed!
Posted in: Education