What Are the California Teen Driving Laws?

After completing your Driver's Ed course, driving lessons, and passing your driving test, you can be free on the road with your California driver's license! If you're under 18, however, freedom comes with a few stipulations, as California has strict guidelines when it comes to teen driving laws.

Driving with Your Permit

In order to get your permit in California, you must be at least 15 1/2 years old and complete an approved driver's ed course, which Coastline Academy offers online! After you have passed your course and the written test, you'll be issued your permit. Before you'll be able to drive with an adult, you'll need to take one driving lesson, which Coastline Academy also offers.

Take a deep breath. Once that first lesson is completed, the driving instructor will sign your permit, which authorizes you to practice driving with another licensed adult 25 years of age or older. adult. Remember, your permit does not allow you to drive alone nor does it allow you to drive your friends around, either.

Driving with Your New Driver's License

After you complete your six hours of driving lessons, pass the driving test, and obtain your driver's license from the state of California, there will be certain phases you must pass through on your way to a full driver's license. In the first year after getting your license, there are two restrictions you must follow:

1. You may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
2. You may not drive with any passengers under the age of 20.

As with most driving laws, there are exceptions to the rules. California teen driving laws do allow new license holders to drive after curfew or with teenage passengers if they are accompanied by a California licensed driver who is 25 years or older. You may also drive past the 11 p.m. curfew, as long as you have signed documentation stating one of the following:

1. Driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. is required for your job.
2. You are traveling to or from a school-related activity.
3. Your driving activity is be for medical reasons and there are no other transportation options available to you.

These teen driving laws will no longer apply once you turn 18 years old, regardless of how long you have held your driver's license. Once you turn 18, you may drive whenever and wherever you want, as long as you adhere to the rules of the road.

More Driving Laws to Keep in Mind

In addition to the restrictions mentioned above, California has a few other teen driving laws on the books that new drivers must keep in mind when you get behind the wheel:

1. It is illegal for teens to use any kind of electronic device while driving, even if that device is hands-free. In case of an emergency, you are allowed to use it to call 911.
2. California is a zero tolerance state. If a teen driver is found to have a blood-alcohol concentration of .01% or higher, their license suspended for one full year.

Violating California Teen Driving Laws

If you are a teen driver in California, you may find yourself without a driver's license for violating any of the above driving laws. If you receive two points for violations within one year, your license will be restricted for 30 days. If you accumulate three violation points on your license within one year, your driving privileges will be suspended for six months, and you may possibly receive an additional year of probation.

California teen driving laws are put in place to not only keep you safe, but to all drivers safe. When you get behind the wheel, remember to follow them to keep enjoying your driving privileges. Always keep these laws in mind before you get behind the wheel, and if you need a refresher, reach out to Coastline Academy for more information.