In the state of California, provisional license holders will have restrictions for the first year. During the first year, teen drivers are not allowed to:
• Drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Allow passengers under the age of 20 in the car with them
If driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. is necessary or if passengers under the age of 20 are present in the car, the driver must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver over the age of 25, or a licensed driving instructor.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles lists the exceptions to these restrictions below, when reasonable transportation is not available. In addition, the teen driver must carry a note at all times, which explains the necessity and the date when the necessity will end. This rule does not apply to emancipated minors.
• Medical necessity when reasonable transportation alternatives are unavailable. The note must be signed by the physician containing the diagnosis and probable date of recovery
• Schooling or school-authorized activity. The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or his/her designee
• Employment necessity and the need to operate a vehicle as part of your employment. The note must be signed by your employer verifying employment.
• Your necessity or the necessity of an immediate family member. The note must be signed by your parent or legal guardian
• If you are an emancipated minor. No documentation is needed. However, you must have already declared yourself emancipated and provided DMV with
• Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of the parent’s or guarantors’ signatures
The California DMV monitors all minor drivers closely. If you:
• Get a traffic ticket and fail to appear in court, your driving privileges will be suspended until you appear in court
• Get a traffic ticket and neglect to pay the fine, your driving privileges will be suspended until you pay the fine or get in an Orlando car accident
• Have one “at fault” accident or conviction within 1 year, you will receive a warning letter from the DMV
• Have a second “at fault” accident or conviction (or combination of both) within 1 year, your driving privileges will be suspended for 30 days. You will be allowed to drive with a parent or other licensed adult (25 years or older) during the 30-day period
• Have a third “at fault” accident or conviction (or any combination) within 1 year, your driving privileges will be suspended for 6 months and you will be placed on probation for a minimum of 1 year
• Have additional “at fault” accidents or point count convictions while on probation, your driving privileges will be suspended again
• All teen traffic violations are reported to the DMV and will remain on your record for a period of time to be determined by the courts. In some cases, these violations can become a part of your permanent record