Tags show the kind of rule and whether it’s a written-test point or matters on the drive test (our tagging). Each rule links to its official source.
To get a permit, a minor must be at least 15½, show proof of finished driver education (or of enrollment in an approved integrated driver ed and training program), and have a parent or guardian sign the application (both, if custody is shared). A minor over 17½ can get the permit without that proof, but can’t take the drive test until 18.
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
A minor’s permit can’t be used until a driving instructor validates it when behind-the-wheel training begins.
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
A minor can schedule the drive test only after turning 16 and holding a permit for at least six months (or reaching 18).
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
Minors must log at least 50 practice hours, 10 of them at night, with a California-licensed driver 25 or older (a parent, guardian or driving instructor may be younger), and prove they finished driver education and training.
New York differs: Before the road test, get at least 50 hours of practice, 15 of them after sunset; DMV also recommends 10 hours in moderate to heavy traffic. Tests run on city streets, but practice on highways too. New York rule
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
For your first 12 months on a provisional license, no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
New York differs: With a junior license (DJ) you may not drive anywhere in New York City’s five boroughs. A 17-year-old who completes driver education and gets a Class D license may drive there. New York rule
New York differs: Upstate junior license: drive alone 5 a.m.–9 p.m. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., drive alone only straight between home and work or a school course; any other night driving needs a licensed parent or guardian aboard. New York rule
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
For your first 12 months on a provisional license (California’s Vehicle Code, Section 12814.6), you may not carry passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver age 25 or older is also in the car.
New York differs: A junior driver may carry at most one passenger under 21 who isn’t immediate family, unless the supervisor is a parent, guardian, driver-ed teacher or driving-school instructor. With a junior permit, only the supervisor may ride in front, and everyone wears a belt. New York rule
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
When no other reasonable transportation is available and you must drive, a signed note lets a teen drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. or carry an immediate family member. The note comes from a doctor (medical need), the school (school activities), an employer (work) or a parent or guardian (a family member’s need), and must say why you must drive and when that need ends. It doesn’t let you carry friends under 20.
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
A minor who fails the knowledge test must wait 7 days to retake it, and 14 days after a failed drive test, not counting the test day.
DMV process California Driver Handbook: The Testing Process
A minor with two at-fault collisions or convictions (or one of each) within 12 months may drive for the next 30 days only with a licensed adult age 25+ aboard.
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Laws and Rules of the Road (cont. 2)
Three at-fault collisions or convictions within 12 months bring a minor a six-month suspension and one year of probation; another one during probation means a new suspension.
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Laws and Rules of the Road (cont. 2)
Turning 18 doesn’t wipe out restrictions, suspensions, or probation imposed while you were a minor.
Law Written test California Driver Handbook: Laws and Rules of the Road (cont. 2)