California Used Vehicle Dealer Pre-Licensing — 6 Hour
Start your California used car dealer education with the six-hour initial course. Designed for prospective used vehicle dealers, it introduces the responsibilities of operating a dealership and the paperwork behind a vehicle sale.
Who is this course for?
Choose the initial course when you are preparing to apply for a California used vehicle dealer or wholesale-only dealer license. DMV determines which education and licensing requirements apply to your application.
What you’ll study
- Dealer licensing, business locations and operating responsibilities
- Vehicle ownership, titles, registration and transaction records
- Advertising, sales disclosures and consumer protection
- Practical dealership scenarios and document review
Each module pairs online instruction with a practical case activity and a worksheet. Your progress saves between visits.
Study time and completion
This course requires at least 6 hours of study, the required activities and a final exam.
You need a current California driver license or identification card. During the course you take a quick photo of it for staff review, and you can keep studying while it is reviewed; your completion receipt is ready once your identity is verified.
After you finish
After completing the course requirements and identity review, follow the instructions on your Initial Course completion receipt. Education is one part of the licensing process: DMV also administers the used dealer test and reviews your application and business location.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the initial course for a California used car dealer license?
This is the six-hour pre-licensing program for prospective California used vehicle dealers. Choose it for initial dealer education; choose the four-hour continuing education course if you need ongoing dealer education. Confirm the requirements for your license type with DMV.
How long is the online pre-licensing course?
The program requires at least six hours of study time. You can pause and return to your saved progress. Complete the required lessons, activities and final exam before receiving your completion receipt.
Does completing this course give me a dealer license?
Course completion does not issue a dealer license or replace the DMV-administered used dealer test. Follow DMV’s application checklist for the remaining requirements.