What is a Special Instruction Permit from the California DMV

How does the DMV use a Special Instruction Permit? We all recognize the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as the government agency empowered to issue the driver license and to register our cars.  What most people don’t realize, however, is there is an enforcement branch of the DMV that is empowered to suspend or revoke a person’s driving privilege almost at will.  Known as the Division of Driver Safety, this enormously powerful division of the DMV has the power to withdraw a person’s driver license for a variety of reasons:

–Driving under the influence                                    –Negligent Operator

–Fatal Traffic Collisions                                 –Injury Traffic Collisions

–Driving without insurance                           –Fraudulent Activity

–Physical or Mental Disorders                      –Lack of Skill

As part of the DMV’s process to evaluate a driver for the suspension or revocation of their driver license, the department may require the accused driver to pass a “behind the wheel” driving test, known as a Supplemental Driver Performance Evaluation (SDPE).  If a driver passes the SDPE driving test, they move onto the next step in the evaluation process.  If, however, the driver were to fail the SDPE driving test, the evaluation process stops there and the driver license is suspended or revoked for a “Lack of Skill.”

A driver license suspension/revocation for a “Lack of Skill” remains in effect for an indeterminate period of time.  Essentially, this means the driver will not be returned to driving until he or she does something to prove they possess the requisite skills necessary to safely drive a motor vehicle.

In some instances, a person’s failure to pass the SDPE driving test may simply be a function of nerves, anxiety or the fact they have developed bad driving habits over the years.  In this case, the Division of Driver Safety may consider issuing a Special Instruction Permit (DS Form 2492) to the accused driver.   A Special Instruction Permit does not lift the suspension or revocation of the driver license; however, it may allow the driver to drive under the following conditions:

• With a properly licensed driving instructor.
• With another licensed driver who is over the age of 25.

Generally, the Special Instruction Permit (SIP) permits the driver to participate in instructional or practice driving so they can prepare to again take the SDPE driving test.

How do I get a Special Instruction Permit? If your driver license has been suspended or revoked by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, you are dealing with a government entity that is not known for compassion, patience or guidance.  Dealing with the Division of Driver Safety can be an enormously frustrating task and there is little information available for properly handling such a situation.

You should immediately call a DMV Defense Expert from California Drivers Advocates for guidance and assistance.  If we can assist you by simply providing free advice, we’ll be happy to do so.  If your case requires an Administrative Hearing, we are ready, willing and able to step in to represent you at the DMV.

To obtain a Special Instruction Permit (SIP) requires a formal request be made to a DMV Hearing Officer at the local Driver Safety Office.  The DMV Hearing Officer is the DMV’s equivalent of a Superior Court Judge.  A request for SIP must be made in a correct and timely manner and must include information that assures the DMV that the issuance of such a permit does not endanger the motoring public.  Remember the Hearing Officer is not there to assist you or be a friend.  They are there to put public safety before everything else;  including your need to drive.

If you need a Special Instruction Permit, call CDA.  We can help!!  The DMV Defense Experts at California Drivers Advocates (CDA) have been representing drivers before the California Department of Motor Vehicles for many years.  Our team of former police officers, former DMV Hearing Officers, Investigators and Scientists has dealt with nearly every conceivable issue that the DMV uses to steal a person’s driver license.  We fight and win these matters every day.

If you need a Special Instruction Permit to prepare for a driving test or if you need any help with the suspension or revocation of your driver license, call CDA today.  We’re ready to begin helping you immediately.