CA Driving Restrictions for Minors

HEY TEENS - DRIVING WITH A PROVISIONAL LICENSE?

Statistics show that newly licensed drivers are the most at risk group of drivers - especially when they are driving at night or accompanied by friends. The State of California is doing their best to keep new drivers safe and has passed some helpful laws to keep you on the road for years to come.

You must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian or other licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor when you:

• Transport passengers under 20 years of age at any time, for the first twelve months.


• Drive between 11 pm and 5 am for the first twelve months.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you turn 18 years of age, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 5th birthday after the date you applied.

Exceptions to Restrictions

The law requires that you must carry a note explaining why you must drive and when the necessity will end.

Medical Necessity

The note must be signed by your physician and contain a diagnosis and probable date when recovery will end your need to drive.

School or School–Authorized Activities

The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or his or her designee and include a reason for the school or school–authorized activity and the date when the activity will end.

Employment Necessity

The note must be signed by your employer and verify employment and the date your employment will end.

Immediate Need of Family Member

The note must be signed by your parent or legal guardian and include the reason and date the necessity will end.

Emancipated Minor

No documentation is needed for this exemption, however you must have already declared yourself emancipated by completing a DMV form and by providing Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors’ signatures when you applied for your instruction permit.

Can I drive in the event of an emergency even though my provisional license is restricted?

The law does not provide for emergencies; only for exceptions as listed in Vehicle Code Section 12814.6. It is the discretion of law enforcement to determine if they will cite you for violating your provisional license restrictions.