Getting a driver’s license in California for the first time means following a set of rules. Everyone has driving rules to follow, no matter their age or experience. However, there are different rules for 16-year-olds. What are the driving rules for 16 year olds in California?
What Are The Driving Rules for 16 Year Olds in California?
What are the driving rules for 16 year olds in California? California teens will get a provisional license first; those provisions are the rules. Teens in the US can start their licensing journey when they turn 15 ½ years old. Driving school takes some time, but most teens complete it quickly and receive a learner’s permit before they turn 16 years old.
Teens must have a learner’s permit for 6 months. This time is meant for practice. Teens are to complete 6 hours of training with an instructor from a driving school. They must also complete 50 hours of practice with a parent or guardian. This is why the learner’s permit stage lasts 6 months.
This also means that some 16 year olds will have different rules than others. Timing is the deciding factor here.
Learner’s Permit Driving Rules for Teens
What are the driving rules for 16 year olds in California? The answer depends on whether the teen has a learner’s permit or a provisional license. 16 year olds with a learner’s permit must follow a different set of rules as 16 year olds with a provisional license. Teens with a learner’s permit are not allowed to drive a car without a passenger over 25 with a driver’s license.
California also has a zero tolerance law, which means even a blood alcohol level of o.o1% results in the loss of the permit and license. Lastly, teens are not allowed to use a phone while driving, even a hands-free option.
Restricted Driver’s License for 16 Year Olds
16 year olds who started the process as soon as they could and finished the process on time may receive a restricted driver’s license while they are 16 years old. The restricted license will give teens time to adjust to the new freedom. The driver’s license will remain restricted for one year and then automatically become a full driver’s license. What are the driving rules for 16 year olds in California?
Provisional License Driving Rules for 16 Year Olds
Teens will be expected to follow the driving rules for a provisional license. The restrictions give teens an adjustment period. They can now drive without an adult in the car, which can lead to new hurdles. The provisions include no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and no passengers under 20 years old unless accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 25.
Teens are also expected to follow all driving laws, which were covered in driving school. Unfortunately, there is no big announcement or anything special once the provisions fall off the license. Teens must keep track of this on their own. However, teens will have the freedom they worked so hard for once the year is up.