Provisional License

Provisional Driver's License Law for Minors

Getting your driver's license is an exciting accomplishment but it comes with a lot of responsibilities, which is one of the reasons why there are so many steps involved before you are granted one by the State of California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Below is a summary of DMV requirements and restrictions.

Provisional Instruction Permit

After completing driver education and/or driver training classes, you are ready for the next step: applying for a provisional instruction permit:

  • Obtain the application form (DL 44) from the DMV. You don't have to make an appointment, but you will get faster service if you do.
  • Complete the DMV application form (DL 44) and make sure to bring your parent(s) or guardian(s) with you since they must sign the application form.
  • Bring acceptable documents that verify your age and legal presence.
  • Provide your social security number.
  • Submit proper forms for driver education/driver training classes (DL 356 or OL 237 and OL 238).
  • Pay the fee.
  • Pass the vision test.
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions and the passing score is 39 correct answers. If you do not pass it, you have to wait 7 days before taking it again.

Once you complete all DMV requirements, you are ready to practice driving with a parent, guardian or licensed driver aged 25 years old or older. You can also practice with a licensed certified driving instructor, but they must sit closely enough to you when you are driving just in case they must take control of the vehicle at any time. Keep in mind: with a provisional instruction permit you cannot drive alone, not even to the DMV to take your driving test.

Provisional License

If you had your provisional instruction permit for at least 6 months and are at least 16 years old, then you are ready to apply for your provisional license. Visit www.dmv.ca.gov for details on applying for your provisional license.

Restrictions
During the first year, you must be accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent or guardian, a driver 25 years of age or older or certified driving instructor when you:

  • Drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Transport passengers under the age of 20 years at any time.

There may be exceptions to restrictions. For more information about these exceptions, please visit the DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov.

As Always, Please Drive Safely!

 

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