What are the age requirements to get your learner's permit and your driver's license in California?

Answer

According to the California Driver's Handbook, issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, you may obtain your learner's permit without prior driver's ed training at the age of 17 1/2. However, you may not obtain your driver's license until you reach your 18th birthday (as you still must have your permit for six months or until you reach 18).

After you've had your learner's permit for 6 months, you may apply for a provisional license, but certain restrictions apply.

There are no special privileges afforded minors at the age of 17 1/2 - California licensing requirements appear quite strict.

"To get a permit you must:

* Be at least 15 1/2 (law changed in 2004). * Submit a completed DMV application form (DL 44). Signing this form means you agree to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of your blood when required by a peace officer. If you refuse to sign this statement, you will not get a permit or license. * Provide your true full name * Have your parents' or guardians' signatures on the application form (if under 18). * Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document.

[...]

- If you are at least 17 1/2, you may obtain a permit without driver education or driver training. There is some confusion on this, though. A 17 1/2-year-old MUST hold the permit for six months or until his or her 18th birthday, regardless of whether they complete Driver Education and Training or not.

Minor's Provisional Permit Requirements http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs09thru12.htm#minorpermitrequirements

For a provisional license:

"You must:

* Be at least 16 years old. * Prove that you have finished both driver education and driver training (DMV form DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238). * Have had an instruction permit for at least 6 months. * Provide a parent's signature on your instruction permit stating you have completed all the driving practice outlined in the Parent-Teen Training Aide. This booklet is available at your local DMV field office. *(Certain other persons may sign.) Have your instructor at a DMV-approved driving school sign your permit (new as of 2004). Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be completed at night). Your parents must certify to this training. * Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test. If you fail the test, you must wait two weeks before you are tested again. You have up to three chances to pass the driving test while your permit is valid. Though if you fail the driving test, you must pay a $5 retest fee for the 2nd and 3rd attempt.

You may drive alone with your provisional license, as long as you do not been accidents or traffic violations. The following restrictions apply after you are licensed:

* During the first 12 months, you must be accompanied by your parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor if you drive between the hours of 11PM and 5:00 AM or if you transport people under 20 years of age. (New as of 2004)

Provisional License Restriction Exceptions

These exceptions for siblings are granted when reasonable transportation is not available and it is necessary for the minor to drive. A note is required explaining the necessity and the date the driving necessity will end.

* Medical necessity. The note must be signed by your physician. * School or school-authorized activity. The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or his or her designee. * Employment necessity. The note must be signed by your employer and verify employment. * Immediate need of family member. The note must be signed by your parent or legal guardian. * Emancipated minor. No documentation is needed. However, you must have already declared yourself emancipated and provided Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors' signatures."

Minors' Provisional License Requirements http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs09thru12.htm#minorpermitrequirement

First answer by Chslaw. Last edit by Chslaw. Contributor trust: 733 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 93 [recommend question]