California teens can apply for a provisional license prior to obtaining a permanent driver’s license. This option is available to those aged 16 to 18, allowing them to practice their newly acquired skills. Applicants must first complete drivers’ education and hold a learner’s permit for at least six months.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you should know about getting a provisional license in California, including eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and more. We’ll also explain your rights and responsibilities, as well as the consequences of violating the terms of your license.
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Provisional License in California?
A provisional license – also known as probationary license of learner’s permit – is a document that allows teenagers aged 16 to 18 to drive without supervision.
Here’s a breakdown of the application process:
1. Complete Driver’s Education
If you’re under 17 and a half years old, you must complete 30 hours of driver’s education (DE) to apply for a learner’s permit. Make sure you choose a driving school accredited by the California DMV.
Teenagers over 17 and a half years old but under 18 don’t have to complete driver’s ed to obtain an instruction permit. But since you can’t get a provisional license without completing DE, you must wait until you turn 18 to apply for a standard driver’s license.
How long it will take you to finish driving school depends on your learning abilities, course format, and whether you study online or in a classroom setting.
Consider looking into online DE programs, which tend to be more engaging and budget-friendly than traditional driving schools. Plus, you can study at your own pace without being tied to a fixed schedule.
At Traffic Safety Institute, our driver’s ed course is fully licensed by the California DMV and can be completed entirely online. The best part? You pay nothing until you finish and pass the course.
As far as pricing goes, expect to pay anywhere around $40 to $800 or more, depending on the school and what’s included.
For instance, some driving schools offer both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training and, consequently, charge higher rates. Others have hidden fees and may charge you extra for basic services like e-learning, certification, or registration.
Our driver’s education program costs only $29.99. The fee covers the course materials, an official DMV certificate of completion, an electronic certificate, audio read-alongs, and 24/7 support.
Start Driver’s Education for FREE today.
2. Get a Learner’s Permit
Also known as a provisional instruction permit, this document allows you to drive under the supervision of a parent, driving instructor, or licensed driver. If you are under 18, that licensed driver must be over 25 years old. If you are over 18 yourself, the licensed driver must also be over 18. This permit is required for any new driver, regardless of age. The permit is valid for 12 months and can be renewed after it expires.
You may apply for a learner’s permit as soon as you turn 15 and a half. Simply follow these steps:
- Submit a driver’s ed completion certificate, or a pink slip, to the DMV
- Fill out Transmittal Form DL-11 (only for emancipated minors)
- Complete form DL 44, have it signed by a parent (if you are under 18), and bring it to your local DMV office.
- Prepare the necessary documents (an identity document, your Social Security Number, and proof of residency).
- Pay an application fee.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Take and pass a knowledge test.
- Have your photo taken.
- Provide your fingerprint.
The knowledge test is based on the California Driver’s Handbook and contains 46 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must answer at least 38 questions correctly.
Some questions are tricky even for experienced drivers, but you can maximize your chances of success by taking practice tests. Our 2024 California DMV Permit Practice Guide contains 200+ questions similar to those you’ll encounter on the test. It also includes step-by-step instructions to get your learner’s permit, plus a free road signs cheat sheet. Our practice guide comes in digital format, so you can study from any device.
3. Complete Driver Training (DT)
After you obtain a learner’s permit, you must complete 50+ hours of driving practice, including 10 hours of night driving.
Remember that you can hit the road only under the supervision of an experienced driver, such as a certified driving instructor or family member over the age of 25.
4. Take a Driving Test
Next, book an appointment with the DMV to schedule your driving test. You can take the test only if you’ve held a learner’s permit for at least six months and completed driver training.
Make sure your car is safe to drive and doesn’t have any malfunctioning components, or you’ll have to reschedule the test. Also, bring these documents to the DMV:
- A valid ID
- Proof of residence
- Proof of financial responsibility (e.g., a valid car insurance policy)
See our guide on how to prepare for your behind-the-wheel test. We’ll tell you what the test entails, how it’s structured, and the steps you can take to improve your odds of passing.
If everything goes well, you’ll receive a provisional license that’s valid until you turn 18. Applicants who fail the test can retake it after 14 days.
5. Become a Licensed Driver
A provisional license gives you more freedom than a learner’s permit, but it’s more restrictive compared to a full driver’s license. For example, you can only drive during certain hours unless you have no other means of transportation to work or school (more on that later).
Your provisional instruction permit will be automatically upgraded to a regular Class C driver’s license after you turn 18. All you need to do is pay a $45 application fee to the DMV.
Provisional License in California: What Are the Rules?
Provisional licenses come with certain restrictions meant to keep you safe on the road. These limitations apply during the first 12 months of licensure and include:
- You can only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- You may not carry passengers under the age of 20 unless supervised by a parent/guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver over 25 years old.
- You’re not allowed to use a mobile phone or other handheld/wireless communication devices unless you’re driving on private property or must call emergency services.
However, you may drive to school or work between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. if no other means of transportation is available. Just make sure you have a letter signed by your dean, employer, or other authorized parties.
Similarly, you’re allowed to drive during these hours if you require medical treatment at a healthcare facility. In such cases, you must carry a note signed by your physician.
Emancipated minors are subject to the same rules and exceptions, but they don’t need a signed note.
Can I drive my siblings to school with a provisional license?
You can drive your siblings to school if you meet one of the following requirements:
- You’re accompanied by a parent/guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver aged 25 or older
- You have a signed note from a parent or guardian stating the necessity (e.g., a lack of public transportation in your area)
Can you drive yourself to school with a provisional license?
Yes, you can drive yourself to school, but only between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
If, for some reason, you must go to school outside this time interval, you must carry a note from an authorized party, such as your dean.
Can an 18-year-old drive with passengers in California?
If you’re 18 and hold a full California driver’s license, you can transport passengers of any age.
When can I drive my friends around after getting my license in California?
The answer depends on the type of license you have and how old your friends are.
- If you have a full driver’s license, you can drive your friends around anytime – regardless of their age.
- With a provisional license, you can transport passengers under the age of 20 only under the supervision of a parent, driving instructor, or adult driver over 25.
- If you hold a provisional license and your friends are over 20 years old, you can drive them around without supervision.
Can you drive on the freeway with a permit in California?
A learner’s permit allows you to drive on a freeway under the supervision of a parent/guardian, driving instructor, or California driver aged 25 or more.
Can parents revoke a provisional license in California?
When you apply for a provisional license, your parents must sign Form DL-44 to give their approval.
They can choose to withdraw their consent anytime by filling out a cancellation form. This would result in the immediate suspension of your driving privileges.
Consequences of Violating the Rules of a Provisional License
Violating the terms of your provisional license can result in fines and additional penalties, including:
- Demerit points
- License suspension
- Probation time
- Community service
Accumulating points on your record can cause you to lose your driving privileges. Here’s what you can expect:
- 2+ points within one year: 30-day license suspension
- 3+ points within one year: six-month license suspension and 12-month probation
The suspension time will increase if you get new points during the suspension/probationary period.
What happens if a minor gets caught driving without a license in California?
Driving without a license can be charged as either an infraction or a misdemeanor. A first-time offense is usually prosecuted as an infraction and carries a fine of up to $250.
A misdemeanor, on the other hand, can have severe legal consequences, including:
- Up to three years of probation
- Up to six months of jail time
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Vehicle impoundment
These regulations apply to anyone caught driving without a license, regardless of age.
What happens if you get in an accident with a provisional license in California?
Provisional drivers who get involved in an accident for which they are not at fault cannot be held liable for damages – and neither can their parents.
However, they can be charged with an infraction if they were violating the terms of their license (e.g., driving at night without supervision) at the time of the offense. This could result in fines and/or demerit points.
If the accident is your fault, you’ll face more serious charges – depending on the nature and severity of your offense. Plus, your parents or legal guardians may be held financially responsible for damages.
What happens if you get pulled over with only a permit in California?
In California and most states, the police cannot pull over teenage drivers unless they have broken a traffic law. If you hold a learner’s permit and commit a traffic offense while driving alone, you may get fined for the offense. You may also face penalties for driving without a license. The latter would be a secondary charge.
If you commit a traffic violation while driving under the supervision of an adult, the police officer may give you a warning or fine, depending on the severity of your offense. The penalties will be harsher if you cause an accident.
What happens if a minor gets caught driving with another minor in California?
The police can pull you over only if they suspect you broke a traffic law. If you were driving with an underage friend at the time of the offense, you’ll get a fine and points on your record for the initial violation.
You may also have your provisional license suspended for transporting minors without an adult present.
What happens if you get a ticket with a provisional license in California?
The DMV may suspend or limit your driving privileges if you’re found guilty of an accident or commit traffic violations within the first 12 months of licensure.
- For example, you may lose your right to drive unsupervised after two traffic tickets and/or two at-fault accidents. This restriction will be in place for 30 days.
- If you get three tickets and/or cause three at-fault collisions, you’ll receive one year of probation and have your license suspended for six months.
These penalties won’t go away when you turn 18, meaning they can impact your driving record for years to come.
What happens if you are caught with cannabis or get a DUI with a provisional license?
Either of these offenses constitutes a misdemeanor and can lead to a one-year license suspension and additional penalties.
For instance, anyone under the age of 21 who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content
(BAC) of 0.08% will face the following penalties:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Up to six months of jail time
- Three to five years of probation
- $390 to $1,000 in fines
- Alcohol education program
If you cause an accident while driving under the influence, you could be charged with a felony.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a provisional license in California is quite straightforward. For most teenagers, the challenge lies in complying with the terms of their license.
It’s also important to note that teens are subject to stricter rules than adult drivers and can easily lose their newfound freedom. Plus, they cannot go to traffic school to keep points off their driving records.
With that in mind, follow the rules of the road to stay safe and keep your license in good standing. If you don’t have a provisional license yet, sign up for our driver’s education course. You can get started for free and study online from any device.
Our system will automatically save your progress, so you can resume your lessons anytime. Plus, you can take the course as many times as needed without paying anything until you pass.
Register for FREE to start your journey to becoming a licensed driver.
FAQs about the California Provisional Drivers’ License
Want to know more about provisional licenses? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
How many times can you take a permit test in California?
You have three attempts to pass the knowledge required for obtaining a learner’s permit. If you fail, you must wait seven days to retake the test.
Can you drive at 15 in California?
No, you cannot drive if you’re only 15 years old. Before hitting the road, you must wait to turn 15 and a half and apply for a learner’s permit.
What is the curfew for 17-year-olds in California?
Teenage drivers aged 17 or younger are not allowed to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months after obtaining a provisional license.
Do you need a permit if you are over 18 in California?
If you’re over 18 and don’t have a provisional license, you must get a learner’s permit before applying for a full driver’s license.