What Are The California Driver’s Permit Rules?

With a California learners permit, you can only drive with a supervising adult who is at least 25 years old or a licensed parent/guardian. You cannot drive alone, use a phone (even hands-free), or carry passengers without your supervisor. These rules apply until you get your provisional license at age 16.

Here's exactly what you can and can't do with a California permit.

What Can I Do With a California Learners Permit?

Your permit allows you to practice driving on public roads — but only under supervision.

Allowed	Not Allowed
Drive with a parent or guardian	Drive alone
Drive with a licensed adult 25+	Drive with friends as passengers
Drive with a certified instructor	Use a phone or hands-free device
Practice day and night driving	Drive to the DMV alone for your test
Drive on highways with supervision	Any unsupervised driving

Your supervising driver must hold a valid California drivers license and be ready to take control of the vehicle if needed. They should be alert and sober — not distracted, drowsy, or impaired.

Who Can Supervise My Driving Practice?

California allows three types of supervising drivers:

1. A licensed parent or guardian

2. Any licensed California driver who is at least 25 years old

3. A certified driving instructor

The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat at all times. They're legally responsible for your driving while supervising, so they need to be paying attention — not scrolling their phone or napping.

Many families split supervising duties between parents, older siblings (if 25+), or other relatives to hit the 50-hour practice requirement.

What Are the Phone Rules for Permit Holders?

California has strict rules for drivers under 18:

You cannot use any wireless device while driving — even hands-free.

This includes:

• Texting

• Calling (handheld or hands-free)

• Using apps or GPS on your phone

• Checking notifications

The only exception is a true emergency where you need to call 911. This rule applies while you have your permit and continues during your first year with a provisional license.

Pro tip: Set your GPS and music before you start driving, or use a mounted standalone GPS device that isn't your phone.

How Long Do I Have to Keep My Permit?

You must hold your learners permit for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test.

During that time, you also need to:

• Complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor

• Log 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night)

• Turn 16 years old

The 6-month clock starts when you pass your permit test at the DMV — not when you start drivers ed.

What Happens After I Get My License?

Even after you pass the driving test, California has restrictions for the first 12 months with a provisional license:

Restriction	Details
Nighttime driving	No driving between 11pm and 5am
Passengers	No passengers under 20 unless supervised by adult 25+
Phone use	Still no phone use (even hands-free) until age 18

There are exceptions for medical necessity, school activities, employment, or family needs — but you'll need signed documentation from a parent, employer, school, or physician.

What Happens If I Break the Permit Rules?

Violating permit restrictions can result in:

• A ticket and fine

• Points on your driving record

• Delayed eligibility for your license

California also has a Zero Tolerance law — any measurable alcohol in your system while driving under 21 results in automatic license suspension, even if you're below the adult legal limit.

FAQ

Can I drive alone with a California permit?

No. You must always have a supervising driver (parent, guardian, licensed adult 25+, or instructor) in the front seat with you — including when you drive to the DMV for your test.

Can I drive friends with a permit?

Only if your supervising adult is also in the car. You cannot carry passengers without supervision.

Can I drive at night with a permit?

Yes, as long as you have a supervising driver with you. There's no curfew for permit holders — the nighttime restrictions (11pm-5am) start after you get your provisional license.

Can I use GPS on my phone while driving?

No. Drivers under 18 cannot use any phone functions while driving, including navigation apps. Mount a standalone GPS or set your route before you start the car.