Driving alone legally with learner's permit?

Question

Is there a way to legally drive alone with a learner's permit in California? Is there anything I can apply for? I really hate driving with my parents. I can't pick up my girlfriend unless my parents are there. Is there any way at all?

And also, can you get an ID for a learners permit? In Cali they give you a bunch of papers and thats your permit. Pretty crappy lol.

Answer 1

Well right from the DMV website:

"A parent, guardian, spouse or adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license, must be with you when you drive. He or she must sit in a position close enough to take control of the vehicle, if necessary. It is illegal for you to drive alone at any time."

But then i read some more and there are some exceptions to the rule:

"When reasonable transportation is not available and it is necessary for you to drive, the law grants the following exceptions for minors to drive between 11 pm and 5 am or to transport an immediate family member unaccompanied and unsupervised.

The law allows the following exceptions when reasonable transportation is not available and it is necessary for you to drive. A signed note must be kept in your possession for any of these exceptions explaining the necessity and the date when the driving necessity will end (except emancipated minors).

    * Medical necessity when reasonable transportation alternatives are inadequate. The note must be signed by your physician, and contain the diagnosis and probable date of recovery.

    * Schooling or school-authorized activity. The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or his/her designee.

    * Employment necessity and the need to operate a vehicle as part of your employment. The note must be signed by your employer verifying employment.

    * Your necessity or the necessity of an immediate family member. The note must be signed by your parent or legal guardian.

    *  If you are an emancipated minor, no documentation is needed. However, you must have already declared yourself emancipated and provided DMV with Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR 1P) in lieu of your guarantors’ signatures."

So i guess those are some of the ways, but even if you qualify for one of those exceptions, i would double check with the DMV and make sure, you don't wanna get a ticket so early. But as far as picking up your girlfriend, looks like you wont be able to do it by yourself since none of those really apply for that situation.

As far as the permit papers go, that's just how it is! You can't get a card or anything until you actually get a license. i know its kinda cheap and crappy, but that's just the way it is here in Cali!

Answer 2

Nope to both questions.

I think there might be an exception to driving alone if you're an emancipated minor, but it doesn't sound like you fit that category.

And if you really want an id you can go to the dmv and get an ID, but learners permits aren't IDs.