California Driving Rules for 17 Year Olds
Teens can have a provisional license by the age of 16. Teens 16 and 17 have added rules for driving which is why it’s called a provisional license. These California driving rules for 17 year olds help keep them safe while driving but also give them time to learn in real time.
California Driving Rules for 17 Year Olds
California driving rules for 17 year olds are added to the driving rules we must all follow to ensure a safe learning experience for teens. California allows teens who are 17 ½ to skip driving school and go straight to take the permit test. However, if teens take this option, they cannot get their license until the age of 18.
These teens must also stick to the permit rules for 16 year olds until they’re 18.
Drive Solo
A provisional license allows 17 year olds to drive without anyone in the vehicle. However, the California driving rules for 17 year olds alters if you have a collision or traffic violations. In this case, you must follow the restrictions imposed by the courts which usually mean you must have someone over the age of 25 in the vehicle.
Driving Time
California driving rules for 17 year olds can get a bit confusing when it comes to driving time restrictions. According to the law, teen drivers may not drive after 11 pm or before 5 am during the first twelve months. However, if a teen passes all tests on time, that 12-month period ends while they’re 17 years old.
Even the provisional license isn’t released from provisions until the age of 18, this particular rule may fall off at 17.
Passengers
Teens cannot drive with other passengers who are under the age of 20 years old. The only exceptions include if there is someone over the age of 25 years old in the vehicle or if the 12-month waiting period has passed. Both exclusions will allow teen drivers to drive with someone in the vehicle under the age of 20 years old.
Though parents may want to set their own rules in this situation.
“Provisional License”
When a teen first gets their license, the words “Provisional License” are on the license. You will not get a new license until it’s time, 5 years later. Teens can pay a fee to get a new license without the words, “provisional license” at that point. However, there is nothing wrong with keeping the original until it’s time to renew.
in California does the 12m period start at the time the teen passes the written test and is able to start the learning process with a driving instructor or does the 12m period start after they pass the driving test at the DMV?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
After passing the dmv’s road driving test.
I am 17 and I have a few questions such as … I just tunred 17 can I get a provisional license without a permit? …. If I take the tests required can I start driving alone?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
Can an 18 year old drive with a 15 year old in the car alone long distance?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
So, does a 17-year-old who passes all tests (the 12-month period is completed by age 17)–does he get a full (non-restricted, no longer provisional) license at 17? I can’t get a straight answer to this. Yes or No…does he still have to wait till age 18 even though he met all tests by 17? Thank you!
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
So, does a 17-year-old who passes all tests (the 12-month period is completed by age 17)–does he get a full (non-restricted, no longer provisional) license at 17? Thank you!
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
Can a 17 year old with a provisional license take their siblings to school, by themselves, if they go to the same one?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
If I am living in Los Angeles with an unrestricted license at the age of 17, am I allowed to drive past local curfew laws?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
I’m will be turning 18 in June do I still have to take a drivers aid class to take my permit? What are the requirements for a permit
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
I wanna Join
Can my Granddaughter who turns 17 on 7/23/20 and took her driving test 1 week alter her birthday. but completed her written test weeks before she turned 16 but couldn’t get her driving scheduled any earlier. Is she able to take her 19 year old in the car at. her 17 year old birthday. She had perfect scores on written and driving tests and started college at 16.
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
Hello! My son passed his driving test and already has a license. He is 17 yrs old right now. We are planning to go to Cayucos beach and its a 3 hours drive from Fresno. Can he drive his own car with his 2 other friends who are also same age as him without me on the car. Pls ur respond is appreciated.
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
When does the 12-month period start. When the teen (17 y.o.) gets passes the driving test and gets their provisional license or when the pass the written test to start practicing driving?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
Does 20 year old passenger of 17 year old need a drivers license
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
so, say i get a provisional license after like 4 months of being 16. can i drive with someone my age in the passenger’s seat when I’m 17 or 4 months after being 17?
For more information about a provisional license, please refer to the California DMV website. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/
My sister let her son of age 17 yrs. Old drive without a license to drive or a permit and he hit a lady making a left hand turn !!! And the police report said it was not his fault but her insurance company said it was his fault !!! What can happen to my sister ??? The lady that got hit by my nephew has severe neck injuries and is getting a lawyer ???
We do not offer legal advice on personal situations. To take your online driver’s education or purchase behind the wheel training, please visit https://varsitydrivingacademy.com/product-category/orange-county-driving-school/
I’m 17 years old, I’ve been driving for 8 months. Am I allowed to drive someone that’s 23 years old?
Great question! Please check out the official DMV page for learner’s permit and provisional licensing rules to follow. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/provisional-licensing-ffdl-19/