California Learners Permit Restrictions - CA Driving Permit Rules

California Learners Permit Restrictions - CA Driving Permit Rules

Got your California drivers permit? Congratulations, it's a big step and you will be able to drive a vehicle in no time. However, no matter how excited you are right now, don't forget that there are California driving permit rules that you have to obey at all times. California learners permit restrictions mandate that you are to be accompanied by another licensed driver any time you operate a motor vehicle. If you choose to “forget” about this driving rule, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will see your driving privilege revoked in no time.

Why Does California Have These Restrictions?

The answer is simple - permit restrictions are there to keep you and those around you safe. If you think about the reasons that frequently lead to traffic accidents, lack of experience will probably be somewhere at the top of your list. Driving is such a big part of our lives that we hardly pay any attention to operating a vehicle, most of the actions are done on autopilots. This is the result of experience, something all new drivers don't have yet. In order to counteract this, the California Department of Motor Vehicles sets a number of restrictions that were designed to keep you out of trouble until you become a safer driver.

Although the driving restrictions are set by the DMV, the rules are enforced by the California Police Department. If you are caught breaking one of the California DMV permit rules, the matter will be forwarded to the courthouse that will in turn suspend or withdraw your driving privilege.

Age Dependent Learner's Permit Restrictions in California

According to the current statistics, if you are a driver who is under 18 years of age, you are 2 and ½ times as likely to be involved in a traffic accident as an average driver out there. In addition to lack of experience, minors are also more likely to be distracted by peers and they are more prone to risk-taking behavior. This is the reason why California drivers permit holders who are under 18 years of age are subjected to more permit restrictions than older drivers. The restrictions for minors are governed by the California graduated drivers license laws and are described in the drivers handbook.

Common California Permit Rules

For those who are over 18:

• Supervised driving only. You can operate a vehicle provided there is another drivers seated next to you. The supervising drivers must be 18 years old or older and must have a valid California drivers license. The supervising driver must be prepared to take control of the vehicle should any dangerous situation arise.
• Those who have a motorcycle permit are not allowed to carry any passengers and cannot go onto highways. Daylight driving only is permitted.

For those who are younger than 18:

• Supervised driving only. The supervising driver must be your parent, legal guardian, spouse, a professional driving instructor or another licensed driver who is at least 25 years old and has a valid California drivers license.
• No cell phones. You are not allowed to use communication devices of any sort, neither hand held nor hands-free. If your phone rings, you have to stop, observing all traffic rules, park the car, switch off the engine and then you can answer the call. No texting is allowed either. As an exception, you can make an emergency call to contact law enforcement, a health care provider or the fire department should such need arise.

Driving permit rules don't apply after the student passes the drivers test and get the drivers license. However, drivers license holders who are younger than 18 will be subject to another set of the intermediate license restrictions.

California Provisional License Restrictions

Please remember: these intermediate drivers license restrictions apply only to those who receive the drivers license before they turn 18. California provisional license restrictions are applicable for the first 12 months after the license was issued or until the licensee turns 18.

• Curfew. Although you are allowed to drive unsupervised most of the time, you cannot drive alone between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Passenger restrictions. You are not allowed to have any passengers under the age of 20 unless you are supervised by a parent or legal guardian.

Applying for California Drivers Permit

If you haven't got your permit yet, it is too early for you to worry about the restrictions. If you are applying for the California driver permit, you will have to complete a California drivers education class and take the California DMV permit test. Make sure to check out California practice permit tests before you head off for the real deal.