Instruction permit and provisional license rules

Key points

1. You must get an instruction permit before the behind-the-wheel test if you have no license from California or another state.

   Source: Handbook p. 2

   “If you do not have a driver’s license from California or another state, you must apply for an instruction permit before taking the behind-the-wheel drive test”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 2

2. If you are under 18, you must be at least 15 and a half to apply for a permit.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to: • Be at least 15½ years old.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 3

3. Permit holders practice with a California licensed driver who is at least 18, or at least 25 when the learner is a minor.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “Practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors).”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 3

4. Minors must be at least 16 and hold a permit for at least 6 months, or turn 18, before scheduling the drive test.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “Be at least 16 years old. • Have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months (or turn 18 years old) before scheduling your behind-thewheel drive test.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 3

5. Minors must log at least 50 hours of practice with a licensed driver 25 or older, and 10 of those hours must be at night.

   Source: Handbook p. 3

   “Practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. Ten hours must be at night.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 3

6. For the first 12 months, a provisional driver may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

   Source: Handbook p. 4

   “As a provisional driver, you cannot drive: • Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months you have your license.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 4

7. A provisional driver may not carry passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver 25 or older rides along.

   Source: Handbook p. 4

   “With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) rides with you.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 4

8. Exceptions such as medical need, school or work require a signed note, for example from your employer confirming the job.

   Source: Handbook p. 4

   “You must carry a note signed by your employer. The note must confirm your employment.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 4

9. A parent or guardian can cancel a teen's license with a cancellation request form.

   Source: Handbook p. 4

   “A parent or guardian may cancel their teen’s license by completing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card form.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 4

Numbers to know

3 questions from the California practice test

1. 1. How long must a California minor hold an instruction permit before scheduling the behind-the-wheel drive test?

   1. At least 30 days
   2. At least 1 year
   3. At least 3 months
   4. At least 6 months, or until turning 18
   Show answer

   At least 6 months, or until turning 18. An applicant under 18 must have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months, or turn 18, before scheduling the behind-the-wheel drive test. During that time the minor must complete driver education and driver training and practice for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25, ten of those hours at night. Thirty days, three months, and a full year are not the handbook's figure.

2. 2. During the first 12 months of a California provisional license, who may supervise the holder when carrying passengers under 20, apart from authorized exceptions?

   1. A licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver at least 25, or a licensed or certified driving instructor
   2. Only if the passengers are wearing seat belts
   3. Any time between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
   4. Only on trips to school or work
   Show answer

   A licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver at least 25, or a licensed or certified driving instructor. During the first 12 months, the passenger restriction applies unless the driver is accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver at least 25, or a licensed or certified driving instructor. Authorized exceptions may apply for specified necessities. Seat belts and daytime travel do not by themselves lift the restriction. Check which supervising person or documented exception applies before carrying young passengers.

3. 3. During the first 12 months of a provisional license, when may a minor drive without an adult passenger under the standard restriction?

   1. Any time after holding the license for 6 months
   2. Not between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
   3. Between midnight and 4 a.m. only for social trips
   4. With passengers under 20 whenever school is in session
   Show answer

   Not between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.. For the first 12 months, a provisional driver may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless an exception applies and the required note is carried. Holding the license for only six months does not end the 12-month time restriction. The cue is the word provisional and the first year after licensing. Outside the restricted hours, solo driving may be allowed if the passenger restriction is also obeyed.

Source: the California Driver's Handbook, Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.