California Driving Rules for 18 Year Olds
There are a few milestones in a young adult’s life that come in the form of a birthday. The next milestone is when a teen turns 18 years old. At age 18, teens gain adulthood in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of the DMV. California driving rules for 18 year olds are very different from the first years of driving.
California Driving Rules for 18 Year Olds
California driving rules for 18 year olds give a new sense of freedom and responsibility to teens and parents. A provisional license is a license that is given to teens 16 year olds and 17 years old. The provisional license places special restrictions as far as curfews, passengers, and these rules are meant to keep them safe as they adjust to driving.
However, at age 18, a license automatically loses its provisional status.
Passing Time
Most teens who receive their license do so based on the timetable provided by the DMV. The timetable is 15 ½ they get a permit, at 16 they can get their license, and 12 months after that, the provisional status is dropped. However, not everyone sticks to that timetable.
Say a student receives their license at 17 ½ years old. One may think they have a provisional license until 18 ½. The law actually states that the provisions are dropped after 12 months or when a teen turns 18 years old, whichever comes first. That is one of the California driving laws for 18 year olds.
Adulthood Responsibilities
Teens need to learn driving laws as part of the driving school process. Everyone, at every age, with a license of any kind must follow the law. A provisional license adds restrictions like no driving after 11 pm or before 5 am. They also cannot drive with anyone under the age of 25 without someone over the age of 25 in the vehicle.
These rules drop when you turn 18 or after your first 12 months of being licensed, whichever comes first. Now, California driving rules for 18 year olds are the same one’s drivers at age 25, 35, 45, everyone must follow.
Breaking the Law
The punishment is severe when a 16 year old or 17-year-old breaks a provision on their license. However, when an 18-year-old breaks any of the California driving rules for 18 year olds, the punishment is the same as an adults. A ticket can be handed out, or jail time could be assigned, depending on the law broken.
It’s important that teens and parents realize that turning 18 years old gives a few more abilities but also opens a world of punishment.
I am trying to find out if an 18yr old with a UK driving licence who has only gained his full driving licence in the last month (in the UK) is able to take 2 x 18yr old passengers on a road trip through the States (starting in California) having bought their own car?
Also are they restricted by a curfew.?
I would be most grateful if you would get back to me as soon as possible about this.
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 daughter will be 18 in Sept. She wants to know if she can drive someone that’s 18 years or younger when she turns it? Provisions drop when she 18 I read.
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 son got he’s driver license when he was 17 1/2 and now he just turning 18 today can he able to drive with under age
Hi !! My son got he’s driver license when he was 17 1/2 and now he Just turn 18 today can he able to drive with a under age
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/
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 am 17 turning 18 in November. I do not have my permit yet. Once I take the permit test do I need to wait 6 months??? Or when I turn 18 can I take the drivers test!? Do I need to take a drivers course with a person? If so what companies do you recommend. Please help.
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 was told today that when you turn 18 you can drive a car without a permit or license with a 25 year old person with a valid license. I try to tell her no you can’t, so can you answer this question so I can show her.
Thankyou, Kristin Kidder
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/
There is nothing In the handbook regarding this question
So an 18 yr can drive other people of any age at any time?
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 who has had a provisional license for over 12 months, drive minors?
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/