WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET A PROVISIONAL PERMIT?

First, you need to complete a Driver Education course, either an online course or one taught by a licensed instructor. If your schedule necessitates taking an online course, we recommend, Welcomedriver.com.

When you have completed the Driver Education course, a certificate of completion will be mailed to you (allow 5-7 mailing days). Take the completion certificate and several other documents to the DMV to be eligible to take the written test for your Provisional Permit.

You also must be at least 15 ½ to be issued a permit. Take the following things to the DMV as well: a registered copy of your birth certificate (the one with your baby picture doesn’t work!) a passport or legal presence document, a document that has your name, parent name, and address, like a report card and the application fee (currently $33.00). Complete the online application (DL44) at dmv.ca.gov prior to or once you arrive at the DMV (you will need your social security number). Your parent must also show a valid California driver’s license and bill (TID or PG&E) that shows their name and your same address.

It is illegal to drive on a Provisional Permit before the completion of the first driving lesson. Once you have your permit, call us at 632.5957 or text at 678.6350 to set up your first appointment.

IS IT TRUE I CAN’T DRIVE MY FRIENDS OR SIBLINGS AROUND AFTER I GET MY PROVISIONAL LICENSE?

Yes, it is true, if you received a Provisional Driver’s License, which means you’re less than 18 years of age!

Once you have your provisional DL, you may drive alone as long as you do not have any collisions or traffic violations on your driving record. During the first 12 months after you are licensed, you cannot transport passengers under 20 years of age, unless you are accompanied by a California licensed parent or guardian, a California licensed driver 25 years old or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.

Passengers in motor vehicles driven by newly licensed drivers (regardless of age) are a distraction and the probability of an accident occurring goes up exponentially with each passenger in the vehicle.

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ARE THERE ANY OTHER RESTRICTIONS I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT?

Yes, if you received a Provisional Driver’s License, you cannot drive between 11 pm and 5 am for 12 months.

The reason for this law is that these are the hours that teens are most likely to be involved in a collision. Death and injury rates have gone down in California since these laws were enacted (2006). Check out the specifications from the California Driver Handbook under, “The Examination Process-Minors’ Driver License Requirements, “

Abiding by these restrictions gives a minor the opportunity to concentrate on the task of driving and has been shown to save lives. Check out the Institute for Highway Safety at iihs.org

ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THESE RESTRICTIONS?

Yes, but not really. There are four exceptions

  1. A medical necessity note signed by a physician with the diagnosis and probable date of recovery
  2. A school or school-authorized activity note must be signed by the school principal, dean or designee* (liability would be first on the school, so this just doesn’t happen)
  3. An employment note must be signed by the employer verifying employment (California State Law prohibits employees under the age of 18 to operate a motor vehicle for work-see: www.dir.ca.gov/dise/childlaborlaw pamphlet)
  4. And last the broadest exception… The necessity to drive an immediate family member. This needs to be a note signed by a parent or legal guardian is required including the reason and end date. It must be a necessity, not a convenience! In reality, a note will not keep a minor from the consequences or out of court if a collision occurs, especially involving injury or death nor will it keep one from receiving a ticket.

For the exact wording on exceptions, go to: Exceptions – Minors’ Driver License Restrictions from the CA Handbook.