• What is the Difference Between the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Certificate (MV-278) and the Driver Education Completion Certificate (MV-285)?

     Driver Education Completion Certificate (MV-285)

    • Can be used to schedule a road test.
    • Can be submitted to the Road Test Examiner at the road test or brought to the DMV once you turn 17, to obtain a senior license.
    • Can be submitted to your insurance company for a discount on your insurance (most insurance companies).
    • Is valid for 2 years from the date of issue
    • Students who take Driver Education DO NOT need to take a separate 5-Hour Pre-Licensing course unless they wish to schedule a road test while they are still enrolled in Driver Education.
    • The Driver Education Completion Certificate (MV-285) supersedes the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Certificate (MV-278) because it does more than the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Certificate.

    5-Hour Pre-Licensing Certificate (MV-278)

    • Is only good for scheduling a road test.
    • Is valid for one year from the date of issue
    • Students who do not enroll in a Driver Education program MUST take a 5-hour course in order to schedule a road test.


    NOTE:     Students who will have their Learner’s Permit 6 months or longer while still enrolled in Driver’s Ed, and do not wish to wait until the Driver Ed course is completed to receive their MV-285 to schedule a road test, can take a separate 5-hour Pre-Licensing class. This class is given through WCSD and other local organizations and usually costs approximately $40.