California driving permit question?

Question

okay, so i got my permit on monday. i've already paid for behind the wheel but i havent scheduled any dates yet. but am i still allowed to drive with my mom before i have lessons? she's over 25 and she has a valid license. she says i should at least know the basics before i go with the driving teacher. because they'll put me on the street right away. i think i wanna drive around the block and in empty parking lots first?

Answer 1

Read the permit. It says just what you can do.

With a CA permit, you are allowed to drive with your parents. If she'll let you, it would be legal for you to drive in parking lots and a (preferably deserted) street.

At http://www.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb/permit_btn... it says:

If you are under 18 and at least 15 ½ you can apply for a provisional driver license. The first step to getting your license is to get your instruction permit. Because you are under 18, your permit and driver license are called, "Provisional." This means you have additional restrictions placed on your permit and driver license that adults (18 and over) do not have.

Your provisional instruction permit will have the following restrictions.

    * You must obey the traffic laws

    * You must drive without a collision

    * You must drive with your parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license.

    * You must hold your permit for six months before you can take your driving test to get your driver license.

Good luck. Drive safe.

Answer 2

I would drive around the block and empty parking lots if I were you. It really makes it a lot easier and they really do put you in the streets right away.

As long as your parent is with you, you'll be fine. Just don't drive in traffic. The best time is Saturday and Sunday at like 6am. The  streets are empty.

Answer 3

No, you can't drive with your parent until you've taken your first lesson with the driving school.  On the day of your first lesson, the instructor will sign and date your permit, which makes it valid for practice with your parents.

And don't worry, no one is going to put you on the streets right away.  They usually start you off in either a parking lot or the streets in your neighborhood if you live in  a suburban area where there aren't a lot of cars.