Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in California

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in California?


In California, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 16 years old. In order to obtain a license, the applicant must pass a written test, provide proof of residency, and pass a driving test.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in California?


The GDL program in California has age-specific restrictions for both getting your learners permit and for getting your license.

To get a learners permit, you must be at least 15 1/2 years old and have completed a California Driver Education Course from an approved school.

To get your license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held your learners permit for a minimum of 6 months. You must also have completed 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, as well as 50 hours of supervised driving practice, 10 of which must be done at night.

3. How does the GDL program in California define a supervised driving period?


In California, a supervised driving period is a period during which a teen driver is allowed to drive with an adult at least 25 years of age in the passenger seat. The adult must have a valid driver’s license and must be willing to take responsibility for supervising the teen driver. During this period, the teen driver must log at least 50 hours of driving time, 10 of which must occur at night.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in California?


In California, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive between the hours of 11:00 pm and 5:00 am, with a few exceptions. Those exceptions include when the driver is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, when traveling to or from a school/employment related activity, or if the driver is responding to an emergency.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in California?


There are several common exceptions to the GDL program in California. Drivers under the age of 18 may drive without a permit or license when accompanying a person who is at least 25 years of age and has been licensed for more than three years. For work-related purposes, drivers under the age of 18 may also drive without a permit or license when accompanied by an adult, provided they have written proof of their employment. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 may obtain permits to drive between 11 pm and 5 am when accompanied by a person who is at least 25 years of age and has been licensed for more than three years. Finally, drivers under the age of 18 may obtain permits to drive between 11 pm and 5 am for emergency situations.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in California?


In California, a provisional license holder must have completed at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training and have at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours occurring at night, before they can obtain a provisional license.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in California?


Drivers with a provisional license in California are subject to several restrictions, including:

-A licensed driver age 25 or older must accompany them whenever they drive;
-They may not drive between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am;
-They cannot transport passengers under 20 years of age (unless they are family members); and
-They must also adhere to all other laws, such as speed limits and cell phone usage.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in California?


A driver with a provisional license in California is not allowed to carry any passengers under the age of 20 who are not family members.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in California?


In California, drivers must be at least 17 and 6 months old and have held their provisional license for at least 6 months before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in California?


Yes, drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or other licensed adult 25 years of age or older when driving in California. This requirement applies to both the driver and any passengers.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in California?


Yes, drivers under 18 years of age in California are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving, except to make an emergency call to law enforcement, a health care provider or a fire department. The law also prohibits drivers of any age from using a hand-held device while driving.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in California?


No, drivers with provisional licenses in California are not allowed to drive on highways.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in California?


Yes, drivers with a provisional license in California may only drive when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years of age and occupies the seat beside the driver.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in California?


In California, the requirements for taking the driving test for a driver’s license are as follows:

1. Be at least 16 years and 6 months of age.

2. Provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, school ID, or state ID.

3. Provide proof of California residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.

4. Have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s education certificate.

5. Pass a written knowledge test and vision test.

6. Provide proof of financial responsibility, such as proof of auto insurance coverage or other acceptable alternatives.

7. Pay the necessary fees and taxes.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in California?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in California are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in California require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in California does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in California?


Yes, California has special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program. Upon completion of the program, the participant will be exempt from certain restrictions that would otherwise apply to them, such as the requirement to complete a certain number of supervised driving hours and restrictions on nighttime driving.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in California?


Yes. Drivers under 18 may be exempt from the GDL requirements if they have completed a Driver’s Education Program, have a high school diploma or GED, or are at least 18 years old.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in California?


Yes, drivers over the age of 18 are not subject to the GDL program regulations in California.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in California?


The penalties for violating the GDL program rules in California typically depend on the offense committed. In general, a conviction of violating the GDL program rules may result in a fine, license suspension or revocation, legal costs and points added to your driving record. Additionally, you may be required to complete a driver safety course, or provide proof of financial responsibility.