After an unlicensed teen driver caused an Irvine car crash that killed five people, it raised new questions about what teen drivers in California can do — and what they can't.
- Minimum Age For Drivers License In California
- Requirements For Drivers License Ca
- Age For Drivers License In North Carolina
Full License. At age 18, teens are eligible for a full license, barring DMV or court-ordered restrictions, suspensions or probation. The state does not place night or passenger limits on those with full licenses. However, AAA encourages parents to maintain their own rules. Provisional license w/ completed driver's ed course - You can apply for a California provisional driver license at the age of 16 if you have completed your driver's ed course. This provisional license will have restrictions, so make sure you know what those are and follow them to the letter. 52 rows Permit required for one year if under 18 years of age. 16 years - No 11 p.m.
Investigators are trying to determine what led to the accident, which occurred during a ride home from Knott's Scary Farm, and how the teen came to be behind the wheel of the BMW.
California in 2006 enacted laws that substantially restrict what drivers under the age of 18 can do behind the wheel.
While the number of teenagers who die each year in traffic accidents has decreased since the 1970s, their share of overall crash fatalities remains disproportionately high.
The fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16- to 19-year-olds is roughly three times the rate for drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
California law now requires teens be subject to 'provisional license restrictions.' What does that mean? We had a little help from the California Department of Motor Vehicles answering those questions.
What are the restrictions of a provisional license?
Every licensed driver under the age of 18 is subject to provisional restrictions.
For the first 12 months, a driver must be accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, an instructor or another licensed driver who is at least 25 years old, during the following situations:
- Carrying passengers who are 20 years old or younger
- Driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Additionally, drivers younger than 18 cannot use electronic communication devices while driving. That means no using cell phones to text or talk — even in hands-free mode.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, but a signed note must be kept in the teen's possession that explains why they need the exception and what date the exception will end. The exceptions are as follows:
- For medical-related transportation when reasonable alternatives are not sufficient — signed note from doctor required
- For school or a school activity — signed note from school principal or other official
- For a job when operating a vehicle is part of employment — signed note from employer
- For your own need or that of an immediate family member — signed note from parent or guardian
- No documentation required for emancipated minors, if already declared as such to the DMV with Proof of Financial Responsibility
What about exceptions for emergency situations?
The law says nothing on emergencies, leaving it up to officers to determine whether to issue a citation. However, teens can use a cell phone in the event of an emergency to contact police, fire or medical authorities.
What are the penalties for violating the terms of a provisional license?
A 30-day restriction will be placed on the teen's license if he or she receives two or more points for violations in one year. Three or more points nets a teen a six-month suspension and a one-year probation. If the teen violates probation, the suspension can extend beyond his or her 18th birthday. Additionally, community service hours or fines will be imposed for violating certain provisions.
How can you tell if the license is provisional?
A provisional license will include the date that restrictions began near the bottom, just to the left of the photo. Certain restrictions are removed one year from that date (see above).
How does the provisional license apply to motorcycles?
Teens provisionally licensed to ride mopeds or motorcycles cannot carry passengers. They can only ride during daylight hours. And they cannot ride on any freeway.
Who is liable if a provisionally licensed teen gets in an accident?
The short answer: their parents. A parent or guardian must sign for a minor to get a license and when they do, they are accepting financial responsibility. Under California law, that means carrying the following minimum monetary limits:
- $15,000 for injury or death of 1 person per accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of 2 or more persons per accident
- $5,000 for any property damage per accident
Do the rules apply for out-of-state licenses?
Technically, the rules apply to minors who surrender an out-of-state license for one issued by the state of California.
How do I talk to my teen about driver responsibility and safety?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles offers a parent-teen training guide to help navigate the tricky conversation of driver safety and responsibility.
Part of that guide is a parent-teen driver contract, which acts as a sort of template for defining roles and responsibilities. The contract includes a checklist of assignable roles, including who should pay for vehicle damage, basic maintenance and fuel, tickets and other fees. It also includes pledges where both parent and teen can sign their initials. Some examples of parent pledges:
- 'I will provide respectful feedback when accompanying my teen driver in a vehicle.'
- 'I will serve as a good role model when operating a vehicle.'
Examples of teen pledges:
- 'I will never drink alcohol and/or use drugs and drive.'
- 'I will not drive aggressively, such as speeding, tailgating, or cutting others off.'
Other helpful resources from the guide include:
The DMV also has a young driver's web page.
FAQ Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles
In This Article
Table of Contents
-
Driving Age by State
-
Night Driving Restrictions
-
Cellphone Restrictions
Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage for many teenagers. But sadly, car crashes are the number one cause of death for young people.
Many scientists argue that 16-year-olds just aren't mature enough to drive. Their brains aren't yet fully developed and they're more likely to take risks, become distracted, and make mistakes.
As a way to help teens slowly gain driving responsibilities one step at a time, states adopted graduated license programs. These programs have restrictions for newly licensed drivers, such as a limit on the number of passengers or a curfew.
A 2017 study found that graduated license programs have been instrumental in reducing car crashes among 16 and 17-year-olds. In fact, it's been so successful that some states are considering adopting graduated license programs for 18 to 20-year-olds who are becoming first-time drivers.
Each state in the United States establishes their own driving laws, including laws about the age at which teens can begin driving, and the rules vary greatly about graduated license requirements.
Driving Age by State
The age at which teens may obtain their learner's permit and the laws about graduated licenses vary by state. Be sure to check your local laws to find out when your teen can begin driving.
Learning with a Learner's Permit
Research shows many parents aren't good at teaching kids to become safe drivers. Instead, they depend too much on driver's education programs.
Once your teen has a learner's permit, don't think of yourself as a passenger when your teen is behind the wheel. Think of yourself as a teacher.
Help your teen learn to recognize potential safety issues while driving. Give instructions to help your teen improve and provide plenty of constructive feedback.
Each state has different laws about learner's permits and how many hours a teen needs to be behind the wheel. Take those laws seriously and make sure you're helping your teen gain the experience they need to become a safe driver.
Night Driving Restrictions
While a lack of sleep impairs everyone's performance, studies show sleep deprivation takes the most serious toll on teens. Teens are more likely to make errors when driving later into the evening.
Approximately two out of five teen car crashes occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. , so many states have enacted curfews to prevent teens from driving during the overnight hours. For example, Alabama doesn't allow newly licensed teens to drive between midnight and 6 a.m., North Carolina doesn't allow teens to drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Passenger Restrictions
Researchers have found that for each passenger a teen has in the car, the risk of a car crash increases. Friends can serve as a serious distraction and they may encourage your teen to take unnecessary risks. Consequently, many states have decided to restrict passengers in cars driven by teens.
While some states don't allow newly licensed teens to have passengers for several months, others restrict the number of minor passengers that can be in a car. Exceptions are usually made for siblings.
Cellphone Restrictions
Talking on the phone while driving serves as a major distraction that increases the likelihood a teen will make driving mistakes. So many states have adopted specific cellphone restrictions for young drivers.
Unfortunately, some studies show cellphone restrictions may actually increase the chances that a teen will attempt to send text messages while behind the wheel. In an attempt to conceal cellphone use, teens may become even more distracted by trying to type messages on the sly.
So it's important for parents to talk to teens about the risks of distracted driving. And if a teen is caught sending messages or using a cellphone while driving, there should be clear consequences.
A Word From Verywell
When it comes to letting your teen drive, don't depend on your state laws to keep your child safe. Create your own rules and restrictions for your teen's specific needs.
Minimum Age For Drivers License In California
Keep in mind that just because your teen is old enough to drive legally, it doesn't mean they're mature enough to handle the responsibility.
If your 16-year-old is aggressive, impulsive, or irresponsible, don't let them behind the wheel just yet. In order to be safe drivers, teens need to be able to think clearly, make good decisions, and resist temptations.
Once your teen has a driver's license, increase their freedom slowly. Remember, you don't have to grant new privileges just because the graduated licensing laws allow him to drive at night or use a cellphone in the car. You can continue to impose restrictions of your own.
If your teen violates the law or breaks your rules, give them consequences. Take away their keys for a while or restrict the hours or places your teen drives.
And consider enrolling your teen in programs that teach driver safety beyond driver's education. You might get a discount on car insurance, but more importantly, additional driver training could save your teen's life.
Beyond Driver Education: Programs That Teach Teen Drivers to be Safe
-
Romer D, Lee YC, Mcdonald CC, Winston FK. Adolescence, attention allocation, and driving safety. J Adolesc Health. 2014;54(5 Suppl):S6-15. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.10.202
-
Teen and novice drivers. Governors Highway Safety Association.
-
Goodwin AH, Foss RD, Margolis LH, Harrell S. Parent comments and instruction during the first four months of supervised driving: an opportunity missed?. Accid Anal Prev. 2014;69:15-22. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2014.02.015
-
Martiniuk AL, Senserrick T, Lo S, et al. Sleep-deprived young drivers and the risk for crash: the DRIVE prospective cohort study. JAMA Pediatr. 2013;167(7):647-55. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.1429
-
Shults R, Williams A. Graduated Driver Licensing Night Driving Restrictions and Drivers Aged 16 or 17 Years Involved in Fatal Night Crashes — United States, 2009–2014. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2016; 65(29):725–730.
-
Chen LH, Baker SP, Braver ER, Li G. Carrying passengers as a risk factor for crashes fatal to 16- and 17-year-old drivers. JAMA. 2000;283(12):1578-82. doi:10.1001/jama.283.12.1578
-
Mccartt AT, Kidd DG, Teoh ER. Driver cellphone and texting bans in the United States: evidence of effectiveness. Ann Adv Automot Med. 2014;58:99-114.
Requirements For Drivers License Ca
Additional Reading
Age For Drivers License In North Carolina
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Teen Drivers: Get the Facts.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Consumer Safety Brochures.
- Williams AF. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) in the United States in 2016: A literature review and commentary. Journal of Safety Research. August 2017.