More than 5,000 teens die in car accidents each year across the U.S. Of the 5,000 teen fatalities each year, the state of California accounts for 400. Based on these figures, the state of California has one of the highest teen accident fatality rates in the country for teen’s ages 16-17. In response to these disturbing figures, California pioneered the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program when it passed its first law in 1997. With higher standards and stricter requirements, California’s Graduated Driver Licensing is like no other. Continue reading to learn more about California’s innovative teen driving laws and the serious consequences for violating them.
California Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements
Under California’s Graduated Driver Licensing, teens ages 15 ½ to 17 ½ teens must:
• Apply for and carry a provisional learner’s permit for 6 months
• Complete 6 hours of professional driver training
• Complete an approved driver education class
• Complete 50 practice driving hours with a parent or guardian or an individual that is 25 years of age or older
• Apply for a provisional driver’s license
Once the teen has completed the steps above, he will receive an interim license. The interim license is good for 60 days. Within the 60 days, if your provisional application is approved (meaning you have passed all tests and met all requirements), you will receive a provisional license in the mail. The provisional license has several restrictions that expire on the driver’s 18th birthday if he has maintained a clean driving record. Please continue to the next section to read about provisional license restrictions.
To apply for a permits and licenses in the state of California, you must provide the following to Davidovich Law Firm:
• If under the age of 18, the parent or guardian must give written consent
• Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
• Photo ID
• Birth certificate
• Proof of legal residence
• Application fee of $28 (check, cash, money order, ATM/debit card)