How to Get an Ambulance License in California
To legally drive a commercial ambulance in an emergency service situation, you must have a valid Ambulance Driver certificate. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid California driver's license to obtain an ambulance certificate. Expect to take a written examination, have your fingerprints scanned and undergo a physical exam at your doctor's office. Once you have your ambulance license, understand that the DMV may revoke it if you are convicted of a crime, use alcohol excessively or fail to meet standards for safe driving.
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Things You'll Need
- "Ambulance Driver Handbook"
- Request for Live Scan Service form
- Photo identification
- Live Scan fee
- Medical Examination Report form
- Application fee
- EMT-1 certificate
Instructions
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Study the "Ambulance Driver Handbook" to prepare for the written examination. The DMV offers this handbook for $5, as of the time of publication.
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2
Download and print a "Request for Live Scan Service" form from the California DMV website. Complete the appropriate fields, such as your name, address and Social Security number. Check box "B" for an ambulance driver certificate.
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Go to your nearest Live Scan fingerprinting service location and bring the "Request for Live Scan Service" form. The website of the California Department of Justice features a full list of locations in California. Present a valid photo ID, have your fingerprints done and have the live scan operator complete appropriate fields. The fee for this service will vary, depending on the location.
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4
Download and print a "Medical Examination Report" form from the California DMV website. Fill out the appropriate fields, such as the section labeled "Driver Information" on page five.
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Visit your physician and bring the medical form. Undergo a physical examination and ask your doctor to fill out the appropriate fields on the form. He must indicate whether you have any medical conditions that may disqualify you from driving an ambulance. In some cases, he may indicate that you are temporarily disqualified because of a medical condition, but that you should return for a follow-up examination at a certain time.
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Go to your local DMV and take the written exam for ambulance drivers.
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Pay the application fee, which is $25, as of the time of publication. If you have previously held an ambulance license in California, pay the $12 renewal fee.
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Give the DMV clerk your Live Scan form and the medical report. Bring your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-1) certificate, if required. You do not need this certificate if you are a licensed physician, certified paramedic, emergency care physician assistant or registered nurse. Volunteer ambulance drivers also are exempt under certain circumstances.
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Tips & Warnings
You must submit a medical examination report only if you have never submitted one to the DMV before.
References
Resources
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