What Are the Teen Driving Laws in California?

If you are a teen or a parent of a teen, you are probably thinking about learning how to drive. It is a crucial stage in becoming an adult and gaining freedom. However, both teens and family members must be aware of the laws surrounding underage drivers and what is necessary to obtain a California driver’s license.

California was one of the first states to implement a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which grants full driving privileges in phases and lower-risk settings. This program is used to keep teen drivers safe and prevent motor vehicle crashes, which is one of the leading causes of teenage death in the U.S. Young drivers are at a higher risk of suffering an injury or death due to their inexperience, drinking and driving, and high speeds.

Here is what to know about California teen driving laws: 

Key Takeaways

• Learner’s permit: Available at 15½ years old (cannot drive alone)
• Provisional license: Available at 16 after 6 months with a permit
• Cannot drive alone at night: 11 PM – 5 AM curfew for first 12 months
• No passengers under 20 for the first 12 months (without adult supervision)
• Cell phone use is prohibited (even hands-free) except emergencies
• Zero tolerance DUI: 0.01% BAC limit for under 21
• Full license: Available after 12 months of provisional license

Learner’s Permit

The first step in obtaining a driver’s license is a learner’s permit, also known as an instruction permit. California drivers must be at least 15 ½ years old but under 18 to apply for a driver’s permit. To obtain a learner’s permit, a teen driver must:

• Complete a driver’s license or ID card application
• Have a parent or legal guardian sign the application
• Provide the California DMV with identification and residency documents
• Submit proof of completion of the driving education program on the DMV website
• Visit the DMV to take a vision exam, a knowledge exam, a fingerprint scan, and a photograph

Provisional License 

Once teen drivers turn 16 and have held a learner’s permit for at least six months, they can apply for a provisional license in California. This license allows them to drive without supervision for the first year, but with certain restrictions. 

Full Driver’s License

To obtain a full driver’s license, teen drivers must be between 16 and 18 years old and have held a provisional instruction permit for at least six months. They must have completed driver education and six hours of professional driving practice. They must also complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night, with a California-licensed driver 25 years or older.

The driving test consists of two parts: a pre-drive safety check and a driving performance evaluation (DPE). The safety check ensures the vehicle meets the minimum DMV safety standards and that the teen is familiar with the operation of the vehicle. The driving performance evaluation assesses driving skills and the ability to follow traffic laws and safe driving practices.

Restrictions for Teen Drivers

Each state has its own wrongful death statute, which dictates who can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In California, the following people may seek compensation: 

As per California’s statute of limitations, a wrongful death suit must be filed within two years of your family member’s death. After this deadline passes, you will lose the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death suit.

Cell Phone Use

Under California law, teens cannot use a cell phone or any other wireless electronic communication device while driving, even with a hands-free device, unless it is for calling emergency services. This prevents distractions and accidents that could endanger them and others on the road.

Passengers

For the first 12 months, teens with a provisional driver’s license cannot transport passengers under 20 years old unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver over 25 years old is in the vehicle.

Curfew

For the first 12 months, teens cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they have a valid reason and a signed note from a parent or guardian. This is to limit exposure to dangerous driving situations and impaired drivers, which are more common at night. 

DUI Laws

Driving with any amount of alcohol in your blood is illegal for anyone under 21 in California. The legal limit for a teen driver under 21 is 0.01% BAC, and the penalties include a one-year license suspension, fines, and mandatory education programs.

Penalties

There are penalties for violating these restrictions. If a teen driver accumulates two or more points in one year, they will face an immediate 30-day restriction on their license. If a teen accumulates three or more points, they will receive a six-month suspension and one-year probation. Fines, community service, and other consequences can also result.

Penalties can also affect a teen’s insurance, as auto insurance companies will look at a teen’s record and determine whether they received any violations.

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions to these restrictions as follows: 

• Medical necessity: Requires a doctor’s note
• Family member necessity: Requires a note signed by a parent
• School necessity: Requires a note signed by the school principal or dean
• Employment necessity: Requires a note from the employer

An emancipated minor must show the DMV their California Insurance Proof Certificate along with emancipation court orders. 

January is Teen Driving Awareness Month

January is Teen Driving Awareness Month, which aims to educate teens and their parents to prevent traffic crashes and fatalities. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), around eight teens ages 13 to 19 die every day from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. A lack of experience and engaging in risky behaviors, such as speeding, make teens more dangerous behind the wheel. Almost all of these accidents were preventable. 

Here are essential tips on how to stay safe on the road and avoid accidents and traffic violations: 

• Follow the speed limit
• Maintain a safe distance behind other motor vehicles
• Always wear a seatbelt 
• Limit distractions in and out of the vehicle
• Enroll in a driver training program to gain confidence behind the wheel
• Understand California teen driving laws and local laws
• Teach your teen safe driving skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 15 year old drive in California? 

A 15½ year old can drive with a learner’s permit, but only with a licensed driver age 25+ in the passenger seat. They cannot drive alone at any age under 16. The earliest a teen can obtain a learner’s permit is 15½ years old.

Can you drive alone at 16 in California? 

Yes, but with restrictions. At 16, teens can drive alone with a provisional license if they’ve held a permit for 6 months and completed all requirements. However, they cannot drive between 11 PM – 5 AM or transport passengers under 20 for the first 12 months.

What is the driving curfew for 16 year olds in California? 

16 year olds with a provisional license cannot drive between 11 PM and 5 AM for the first 12 months unless they have a valid reason (medical, school, work, or family necessity) with a signed note.

What is the driving curfew for 17 year olds in California? 

17 year olds follow the same curfew as 16 year olds if they’re still within their first 12 months of having a provisional license (11 PM – 5 AM). After 12 months with a provisional license, the curfew restriction is lifted.

When can teens drive friends in California? 

Teens must wait 12 months after getting their provisional license before transporting passengers under 20 without adult supervision. This means most teens can drive friends alone starting at age 17.

Do driving restrictions apply after turning 18? 

No, all provisional license restrictions automatically end when a driver turns 18, even if they haven’t held the license for 12 months.

Contact an Accident Lawyer 

No parent should have to worry about their child being involved in a car accident. However, even the safest teen driver can get into an accident. For legal guidance, consult with a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and whether you may be eligible to receive compensation from the driver who caused your accident

Our attorneys always offer a free consultation to get to know a client and evaluate their case. Call DK Law today to schedule your case evaluation.