If I have a permit in California, am I able to drive others in the backseat?

Question

There will be a licensed adult sitting beside me that is required by law until I get my license but I'm not sure if I am allowed to carry passengers other than the one sitting beside me if and only if that person sitting next to me is allowed.

Answer 1

No. You have to drive from the front seat.

Answer 2

Yes, you may have other passengers in the vehicle in addition to the 25 y.o. licensed driver sitting next to you...Just make sure that everybody is properly buckled up.

Answer 3

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

The person must be close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time. A provisional permit does not let you drive alone—not even to a DMV office to take a driving test.

If you have an M1 or M2 permit, you cannot carry passengers, you must ride during daylight hours only, and you cannot ride on the freeway.