Photo: CHP Modesto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
If you pass your drive test in California before you turn 18, you get a provisional license. For the first 12 months you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or carry passengers under 20 unless a qualifying adult is with you. These rules, the exceptions, the phone ban and what happens after a ticket or crash are below, for teens and parents.
California provisional license restrictions at a glance
| Rule | Applies | Details |
|---|---|---|
| No driving 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. | First 12 months | Unless one of the signed-note exceptions applies |
| No passengers under 20 | First 12 months | Unless a parent, guardian, California-licensed driver aged 25+, or certified driving instructor rides with you |
| No driving for pay | First 12 months | No commercial Class A, B or C vehicles either |
| No phone use, even hands-free | Under 18 | Only exception: calling for emergency help |
| 0.01% BAC limit | Under 21 | Applies to all drivers under 21 |
The night rule: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
During your first 12 months of provisional driving you may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless one of the signed-note exceptions below applies. The handbook does not list an accompanying-adult exception for the night rule, so ask the DMV if you plan to drive late with a parent.
Can you drive friends with a provisional license in California?
Not in the first 12 months, if they are under 20, unless one of these is in the car with you:
- your parent or guardian
- a California-licensed driver aged 25 or older
- a certified driving instructor
The handbook lists no exception for siblings, so brothers and sisters under 20 count unless you have a signed family-need note (see below).
Exceptions: carry a signed note
If you need to drive alone at night or carry a young passenger, the handbook allows these exceptions. You must carry the signed note with you.
| Reason | Who signs the note | What it must say |
|---|---|---|
| Medical need | Your physician | Your medical condition and the date you’re expected to recover; you must have no reasonable alternative transport |
| School or school activity | Your school principal, dean or their designee | That the driving is for school or a school activity |
| Work | Your employer | That you are employed |
| Immediate family need | Your parent or legal guardian | The reason, the family member, and the date the need will end |
Phones: no use at all under 18
In California it is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or other wireless device while driving, including hands-free. The only exception is calling for emergency help. Adults may use a phone only in hands-free mode. National comparison: hands-free and texting laws.
What happens after a ticket or crash in your first year
These actions apply to provisional drivers within the first 12 months:
| Record | DMV action |
|---|---|
| 1 at-fault collision or traffic conviction | DMV may take action |
| 2 at-fault collisions or convictions (or one of each) | 30 days when you may only drive with a licensed adult aged 25 or older |
| 3 at-fault collisions or convictions (or a mix) | 6-month suspension, then 1 year of probation |
| Further collision or conviction during probation | Another suspension |
| Alcohol or controlled substance conviction, age 15 to 20 | Court orders a 1-year suspension or a delay in getting a license |
Turning 18 does not end a restriction, suspension or probation that already applies. More on the points system: California DMV points, Traffic Violator School and suspension.
Alcohol and the under 21 rule
- Driving with a BAC of 0.01% or higher is illegal if you are under 21.
- Under 21, you may not carry alcohol in the car unless someone 21 or older is with you, and it must be full, sealed and unopened (or in the trunk if opened). Exception: carrying closed containers for an employer with an off-site liquor sales license.
- If you are caught with alcohol in the car, it can be impounded for up to 30 days and a court can suspend your license for 1 year.
National context: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
Parents can cancel the license
A parent or guardian can cancel a teen’s permit or license at any time with form DL 142, Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card. The DMV’s Parent-Teen Training Guide notes this may extend the provisional restrictions when the teen reapplies.
Common questions
When do provisional restrictions end in California?
The night and passenger limits apply for the first 12 months. The phone ban applies until you are 18, and the 0.01% BAC limit until you are 21.
Can I drive my siblings to school?
Only with a signed note from your parent or guardian for an immediate family need, or with a qualifying adult in the car, during your first 12 months.
Can I drive home from work after 11 p.m.?
Yes, if you carry a signed note from your employer confirming your job.
Can I drive for Uber, DoorDash or other paid work?
Not during the first 12 months: provisional drivers may not drive for pay.
Does the passenger rule apply if my friend is 19?
Yes. The limit covers passengers under 20.
Can I use GPS on my phone?
The minors rule bans using a phone or wireless device while driving. Set your route before you set off and don’t touch the phone while driving.
Compare teen rules in other states: GDL laws by state. Full California roadmap: learning to drive in California.
Sources
- California DMV, “Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California DMV, “Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued)” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California DMV, “Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued)” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California DMV, “Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California DMV, “Teen Drivers” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California DMV, “Parent-Teen Training Guide (DL 603)” (dmv.ca.gov)