California Department of Motor Vehicle License Restrictions

California has four different levels of motor vehicle licensing depending on your age and experience in driving a car. These different licenses each have slightly different restrictions placed on the operator.

Minor's Permit

If you have a minor's permit, it is not valid until your driving instructor signs it. You may only practice behind the wheel with an adult over 25 years old. You may not drive alone with a minor's permit.

Minor's License

In order to get a minor's license, you must be at least 16 years old and be able to show that you have completed driver education and driver training. In addition, you must have had a California permit for at least six months and have your parents certify that you have completed 50 hours of supervised practice, of which 10 must have been night driving. Finally, you must pass a driving test. If you fail the driving test, you have to wait two weeks before you may retest. After you receive your license, two restrictions are in place for the first 12 months. First, you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. You also may not have passengers under 20 years old unless there is an adult above age 25 in the car.

Adult Permit

Adult permits are not subject to the same restrictions as minor's permits. Adult permits are available only if you are over 18. A California-licensed driver 18 or older must be in the car and sitting close enough to take over in the event of an emergency.

Adult License

Adult licenses do not have any of the restrictions of the minor's permit, minor's license or adult permit. You can lose your driving license if you accumulate four points on your driving record in the space of 12 months. You earn points by actions such as traffic convictions, at-fault collisions, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or reckless driving.

References

• California Department of Motor Vehicles: California Driver Handbook Minor's Permit Restrictions
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: California Driver Handbook Minor's License Requirements
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: California Driver Handbook Adults' Permit Requirements
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: California Driver Handbook Adults' License Requirements