{"id":85932,"date":"2024-01-09T16:54:52","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T00:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usaccidentlawyer.com\/?p=85932"},"modified":"2026-05-06T00:57:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T00:57:08","slug":"what-are-the-teen-driving-laws-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/the-fine-print\/what-are-the-teen-driving-laws-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"California Teen Driving Laws (2026): A Complete Guide for Parents and Teens"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-hero dklaw-hero__blog align wp-block-dklaw-hero-blog has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"dklaw-breadcrumbs align wp-block-dklaw-breadcrumbs\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\">Home<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/the-fine-print\/what-are-the-teen-driving-laws-in-california\/\" class=\"current\">California Teen Driving Laws (2026): A Complete Guide for Parents and Teens<\/a><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n\t{\n\t  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n\t  \"itemListElement\": [\n\t\t  {\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t\t\t\t\"position\": 1,\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Home\",\n\t\t\t\t\"item\" : \"https:\/\/dklaw.com\"\n\t\t\t},{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t\t\t\t\"position\": 2,\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"California Teen Driving Laws (2026): A Complete Guide for Parents and Teens\",\n\t\t\t\t\"item\" : \"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/the-fine-print\/what-are-the-teen-driving-laws-in-california\/\"\n\t\t\t}\n\t  ]\n\t}\n\t<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">California Teen Driving Laws (2026): A Complete Guide for Parents and Teens<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-hero__blog-meta align wp-block-dklaw-hero-blog-meta\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-taxonomies align wp-block-dklaw-taxonomies\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/learning-hub\/?_topics=behind-the-law\" rel=\"nofollow\">Behind The Law<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/learning-hub\/?_topics=safety\" rel=\"nofollow\">Safety<\/a> <\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\">Reading Time: 10 Minutes<\/p>\n\n<\/div><span>January 9, 2024<\/span><span>Michelle Lysengen<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/iStock-1152140065.jpg\" alt=\"Teen driving behind the wheel\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-toc alignfull wp-block-dklaw-toc\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar align wp-block-dklaw-toc-sidebar\"><div class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar-menu\"><h4 class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar-toggle\">Jump To<\/h4><ul><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-card align wp-block-dklaw-card has-background has-primary-black-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">Every 4 minutes.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-white-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\">On average, every 4 minutes someone picks up the phone and calls us for help. That kind of trust says everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-button-phone\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-yellow-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:7147903562\">714-790-3562<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__blocks align wp-block-dklaw-toc-blocks\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Last updated: May 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In California, teen drivers under 18 must follow the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program established by the Brady-Jared Teen Driver Safety Act (California Vehicle Code \u00a7 12814.6), which requires a learner&#8217;s permit at 15\u00bd, a provisional license at 16, and a 12-month restriction period that prohibits driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting passengers under 20 without adult supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below is the complete 2026 breakdown of every rule, restriction, exception, and penalty parents and teens need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li><strong>Learner&#8217;s permit:<\/strong> Available at 15\u00bd years old \u2014 must be accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older at all times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provisional license:<\/strong> Available at 16 after holding a permit for 6 months and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nighttime curfew:<\/strong> No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Passenger restriction:<\/strong> No passengers under 20 during the first 12 months unless supervised by a licensed driver 25 or older<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cell phone ban:<\/strong> All cell phone and electronic device use prohibited \u2014 even hands-free (CVC \u00a7 23124)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zero-tolerance DUI:<\/strong> 0.01% BAC limit for all drivers under 21<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Full license privileges:<\/strong> All restrictions automatically end at age 18 or after 12 months with a provisional license, whichever comes first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Governing statute:<\/strong> California Vehicle Code \u00a7 12814.6 (Brady-Jared Teen Driver Safety Act of 1997)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California was one of the first states in the U.S. to implement a Graduated Driver Licensing program, which grants full driving privileges in phases designed to reduce crash risk among inexperienced drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,148 drivers ages 15\u201320 died in traffic crashes in 2023, a 5% increase from 2022. The National Safety Council reports 5,588 total lives lost in crashes involving a teen driver that same year. Young drivers represent only 5% of licensed U.S. drivers but account for 8.9% of drivers involved in fatal crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the laws California teen drivers must follow in 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learner\u2019s Permit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The learner&#8217;s permit (also called a provisional instruction permit) is the first step toward a California driver&#8217;s license. To apply, a teen driver must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>Be at least 15\u00bd years old but under 18<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete a DMV-approved driver education program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a parent or legal guardian sign the application<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide identification and residency documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass a vision exam and a written knowledge test at the DMV<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit fingerprints and a photograph<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 17\u00bd Exception<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California allows a narrow exception for older teens. A teen who is at least 17\u00bd years old can apply for a learner&#8217;s permit without completing driver education, but they cannot take the driving test until they turn 18. At that point, they receive a standard driver&#8217;s license rather than a provisional one, and none of the teen driving restrictions apply.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-notice align wp-block-dklaw-notice has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A teen with a learner&#8217;s permit cannot drive alone at any time. They must be accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years or older seated in the front passenger seat, close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Provisional License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once teens turn 16 and have held a learner&#8217;s permit for at least six months, they can apply for a provisional license. This allows them to drive alone, subject to the restrictions detailed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To qualify, teen drivers must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>Be at least 16 years old<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have held a learner&#8217;s permit for at least 6 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete classroom driver education and 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel driver training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be at night) with a licensed California driver 25 or older<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass a vision exam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass the DMV driving test, which includes a pre-drive safety check and a driving performance evaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The provisional license remains in effect until age 18 or until 12 months have passed, whichever comes first.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Restrictions for Teen Drivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under California Vehicle Code \u00a7 12814.6, teens with a provisional license face four primary restrictions during the first 12 months of licensure or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nighttime Curfew<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teens with a provisional license cannot drive between <strong>11 p.m. and 5 a.m.<\/strong> This restriction is based on data showing teen crash risk is roughly three times higher at night than during the day. The CDC reports that 44% of teen crash deaths occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passenger Restriction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teens cannot transport any passenger under 20 years old unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a licensed California driver 25 or older. Research consistently shows that crash risk increases with each additional teenage passenger in the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cell Phone and Electronic Device Ban<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under California Vehicle Code \u00a7 23124, drivers under 18 cannot use a cell phone or any wireless electronic communication device while driving, even hands-free, even with Bluetooth, even using voice commands. The only exception is calling emergency services. This is a stricter rule than the one that applies to adult drivers, and there is no &#8220;speakerphone&#8221; or &#8220;mounted device&#8221; workaround. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The base fine is $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense, plus court fees. Distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of teen crashes. See our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/the-fine-print\/myths-about-distracted-driving\/\">myths about distracted driving<\/a> for more context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zero-Tolerance DUI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. The legal BAC limit is <strong>0.01%<\/strong>. Effectively zero. Any amount of alcohol detected can result in a one-year license suspension, fines, and mandatory education programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A teen driver who causes a crash while under the influence can face criminal DUI charges and significantly steeper penalties. Under AB 1087, which took effect January 1, 2026, the probation term for a conviction of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated increased from two years to a range of three to five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your teen has been involved in a DUI-related collision, a <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/practice-areas\/car-accidents\/\">California car accident lawyer<\/a> can help you understand your family&#8217;s options. For prevention strategies, see our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/the-fine-print\/how-parents-can-prevent-young-drivers-from-dui\/\">how parents can prevent young drivers from DUI<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exceptions to the Restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California allows teens to drive outside the curfew or with passengers under 20 in four specific situations. Each requires documentation that the teen must carry while driving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li><strong>Medical necessity<\/strong>: requires a note signed by a physician stating the medical condition and expected recovery date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>School necessity<\/strong>: requires a note signed by the school principal, dean, or designee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employment necessity<\/strong>: requires a note signed by the employer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Immediate family necessity<\/strong>: requires a note signed by a parent or legal guardian<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An emancipated minor may apply these exceptions by providing the DMV with a California Insurance Proof Certificate along with emancipation court orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Penalties for Violations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teen drivers who violate provisional license restrictions face escalating penalties tracked through DMV points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li><strong>Two points in 12 months<\/strong> \u2192 30-day driving restriction (driver can only operate a vehicle when accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Three points in 12 months<\/strong> \u2192 six-month license suspension plus one year of probation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Any DUI-related conviction under 21<\/strong> \u2192 one-year license suspension (minimum)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These penalties apply even after the teen turns 18. A suspension or probation period continues for its full term regardless of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance consequences are often steeper than legal ones. Violations on a teen&#8217;s record can raise auto insurance premiums substantially and remain on their driving record for 3 to 7 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Note on California SB 473 (The 2027 Expansion That Isn&#8217;t Happening)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2023, Senator Ben Allen introduced SB 473, a bill that would have expanded California&#8217;s provisional licensing program to drivers aged 16\u201320 beginning January 1, 2027. The bill <strong>failed<\/strong> in the Senate on February 1, 2024. It is not an active law. California&#8217;s teen driving restrictions continue to apply only to drivers ages 16 and 17. If you&#8217;ve seen articles stating the expansion is coming in 2027, they&#8217;re referring to legislation that did not pass.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full Driver&#8217;s License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Provisional license restrictions end automatically when <strong>one of two things happens:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The teen turns 18, OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The teen has held the provisional license for 12 months without violations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whichever comes first. At that point, the driver holds a standard California driver&#8217;s license with no age-specific restrictions. The physical license card will continue to display the word &#8220;Provisional&#8221; until the driver&#8217;s next scheduled renewal, unless the driver chooses to pay a replacement fee for a new card.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Teen Driving Awareness and California Crash Data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">January is Teen Driver Safety Month, observed by the National Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to focus on educating teens and parents about preventable crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California cities see thousands of teen driver crashes every year. In 2024, <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/locations\/ca\/los-angeles\/\">Los Angeles<\/a> recorded 783 injury crashes involving teen drivers, more than any other city in the state, followed by Modesto (177) and Fresno (168). The CDC reports that 56% of teen drivers and passengers killed in crashes were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Evidence-based habits that reduce teen crash risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li>Follow posted speed limits \u2014 speeding was a factor in 35% of fatal crashes among male teen drivers in 2022 (NHTSA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain a safe following distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always wear a seatbelt \u2014 every passenger, every trip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eliminate distractions before starting the car<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete a professional driver training program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand and follow all California teen driving laws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Model safe driving behavior as a parent \u2014 research shows teens replicate the driving patterns they observe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a broader checklist, see our post on <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/the-fine-print\/essential-tips-for-new-drivers\/\">essential tips for new drivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the legal driving age in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A teen can obtain a learner&#8217;s permit at 15\u00bd years old and a provisional driver&#8217;s license at 16, provided they have held the permit for at least six months and completed all training and testing requirements. No one under 16 can drive alone at any time in California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a 15 year old drive in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 15\u00bd-year-old can drive with a learner&#8217;s permit, but only with a licensed driver age 25 or older in the front passenger seat. Driving alone is not permitted at 15. The earliest a teen can obtain a learner&#8217;s permit in California is 15\u00bd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you drive alone at 16 in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. At 16, teens can drive alone with a provisional license if they have held a learner&#8217;s permit for 6 months and completed all requirements. However, they cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or transport passengers under 20 without adult supervision during the first 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the driving curfew for 16 year olds in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sixteen-year-olds with a provisional license cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months after licensure, unless they have a qualifying reason (medical, school, work, or family necessity) documented with a signed note carried in the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the driving curfew for 17 year olds in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seventeen-year-olds follow the same 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew as 16-year-olds if they are still within the first 12 months of their provisional license. Once 12 months have passed, or the teen turns 18, the curfew ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When can teens drive friends in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teens must wait 12 months after receiving their provisional license before transporting passengers under 20 without adult supervision. For a teen who gets licensed at 16, this typically means they can drive friends alone starting at 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a teen drive at night with a learner&#8217;s permit in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, but only with a licensed driver 25 or older in the front passenger seat. Learner&#8217;s permit holders cannot drive alone at any time \u2014 including at night. There is no separate curfew for permit holders because they are never permitted to drive unsupervised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many hours of supervised driving are required in California?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice before a teen can take the DMV driving test for a provisional license. At least 10 of those hours must be completed at night. The supervising adult must be a licensed California driver 25 or older. This is in addition to 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is California&#8217;s zero-tolerance law for teen drivers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California&#8217;s zero-tolerance law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any measurable alcohol in their system. The legal BAC limit is 0.01%. A violation results in a one-year license suspension, fines, and mandatory education \u2014 even for a first offense. This is separate from standard DUI charges under CVC \u00a7 23152, which apply at 0.08% BAC for adult drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do California driving restrictions apply after turning 18?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. All provisional license restrictions automatically end when a driver turns 18, even if they have not held the license for 12 months. The only exceptions are active suspensions or probation periods, which continue for their full term regardless of the driver&#8217;s age.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Teen Drivers Are Injured in an Accident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even the most careful teen driver can be injured in a crash caused by someone else. If your teen has been hurt in a car accident in <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/locations\/ca\/los-angeles\/\">Los Angeles<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/locations\/ca\/irvine\/\">Irvine<\/a>, or anywhere else in California, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options, navigate insurance communications, and protect your family&#8217;s rights. <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/contact\/\">DK Law offers free consultations<\/a> and handles <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/locations\/ca\/\">car accident cases throughout California<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-author align wp-block-dklaw-author has-text-color has-primary-black-color has-background has-tertiary-blue-background-color\"><div class=\"dklaw-author__block\"><div class=\"dklaw-author__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/michelle.jpeg);\"><\/div><div><p class=\"dklaw-author__block-about\">About the Author<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-heading-serif\">Michelle Lysengen<\/h4><h6><\/h6><p>Michelle is a content specialist at DK Law and creates content that highlights company events and breaks down complex legal topics into digestible, engaging content. She earned her B.A. in Marketing from California State University, Fullerton.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dklaw-author__social-icons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michelle-lysengen\/\"><svg width=\"17\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_5702_21335)\"><path d=\"M15.7416 0H1.25508C0.561133 0 0 0.547852 0 1.2252V15.7715C0 16.4488 0.561133 17 1.25508 17H15.7416C16.4355 17 17 16.4488 17 15.7748V1.2252C17 0.547852 16.4355 0 15.7416 0ZM5.04355 14.4865H2.52012V6.37168H5.04355V14.4865ZM3.78184 5.26602C2.97168 5.26602 2.31758 4.61191 2.31758 3.80508C2.31758 2.99824 2.97168 2.34414 3.78184 2.34414C4.58867 2.34414 5.24277 2.99824 5.24277 3.80508C5.24277 4.60859 4.58867 5.26602 3.78184 5.26602ZM14.4865 14.4865H11.9664V10.542C11.9664 9.60234 11.9498 8.39043 10.6549 8.39043C9.34336 8.39043 9.14414 9.41641 9.14414 10.4756V14.4865H6.62734V6.37168H9.04453V7.48066H9.07773C9.41308 6.84316 10.2365 6.16914 11.4617 6.16914C14.015 6.16914 14.4865 7.84922 14.4865 10.034V14.4865Z\" fill=\"#08368B\"\/><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_5702_21335\"><rect width=\"17\" height=\"17\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"form\" style=\"--bg-image: url(\/wp-content\/themes\/dklaw\/img\/dklaw-form-bg.jpg);\" class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-cta dklaw-cta-form alignfull wp-block-dklaw-cta-form has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\" id=\"form\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-primary-black-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column dklaw-cta-form__bg-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading dklaw-cta-form__heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">DK <em>all the 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has-primary-green-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\">Get Expert Legal Advice at <strong>Zero Cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<form id=\"dklaw-form\" class=\"dklaw-form__form\" role=\"form\" aria-label=\"Free Case Review Form\" data-redirect=\"\/ty\/thank-you\/\">\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-grid\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t\t<label for=\"firstName\">First Name<\/label>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"firstName\" name=\"firstname\" placeholder=\"First Name\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t\t<label for=\"lastName\">Last Name<\/label>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"lastName\" name=\"lastname\" placeholder=\"Last Name\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"email\">Email<\/label>\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"email\" name=\"email\" 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