After you pass in California: restrictions and your licence
Passing the road test is a big step, but if you are under 18 you are not yet a fully unrestricted driver. California gives you a provisional license with limits that cover the riskiest times to drive.
If you passed at 18 or older, you get a regular license straight away. The ongoing rules on insurance, address changes and safe driving still apply to everyone.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain how long the paper interim license lasts.
- You can state the night and passenger limits for your first provisional year.
- You can name the exceptions and the signed notes needed for each.
- You can say which under-18 rules last until your birthday.
- You can explain the penalties for breaking the limits.
What you need to know and understand
- After passing, you may get an interim paper license valid for up to 60 days while the card is mailed.
- For the first 12 months, provisional drivers may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a qualifying adult.
- For the first 12 months, provisional drivers may not carry passengers under 20 without a qualifying adult.
- A qualifying adult is a parent or guardian, a licensed driver aged 25 or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.
- Provisional drivers may not drive for pay or drive vehicles needing a commercial license.
- Under-18 drivers may not use any phone while driving, even hands-free, except for an emergency call.
- A parent or guardian can cancel a minor's license at any time by filing a form with the DMV.
Your first 12 months
Your license is marked provisional. For the first year you need a qualifying adult with you to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., or to carry anyone under 20. A first offense against these limits can mean 8 to 16 hours of community service or a fine of up to $35, with more for repeat offenses. Police may not pull you over just to check, but they can cite you if they stop you for something else.
When an exception applies
State law allows driving outside the limits when other transport is not reasonable and you carry a signed note:
- Medical need: a note from your doctor with the condition and expected recovery date
- School or a school activity: a note from your principal, dean or their designee
- Work: a note from your employer confirming you work there
- A family need: a note from your parent or guardian giving the reason, the family member and the end date
When the limits lift, and what stays
The night and passenger limits end 12 months after your provisional license was issued. The total phone ban applies until you turn 18. Remember that any DMV restriction, suspension or probation already in place keeps running after your 18th birthday, and the first-year collision and conviction rules can lead to a 30-day restriction or a suspension.
Everyone, at any age, must tell the DMV about a change of address within 10 days and keep insurance in force. Our guide to California provisional license restrictions answers common family questions.
Common mistakes
- Giving a 19-year-old friend a ride in your first year. Under 20 counts.
- Driving home from work at midnight without your employer's signed note in the car.
- Using hands-free calls at 17 because adults can.
- Forgetting that the interim paper license expires; call the DMV if your card has not arrived within 60 days.
Test yourself: After you pass in California: restrictions and your licence
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License (California DMV); California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (California DMV); California DMV Driver's Licenses page; California Vehicle Code sections 12814.6 and 23124. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the California licensing agency.