New California driving law... drivers under 18?

Question

I heard there is going to be a new California state law about people under the age of 18 not being able to drive passengers under 18. I could really use a reliable link to this information, I tried searching the CA DMV site, but couldn't find it. Thanks!

Answer 1

The California Driver License from the link

Minor's Permit Requirements

A minor is a person under 18 years of age. Minors must have their application for a driver license or any change of license class signed by their parents or legal guardians.

NOTE: Minors may not work as a driver for pay until they are 18 years old and licensed in California and they may not drive a school bus containing pupils.

To get a permit, you must:

    * Be at least 15½, but under 18 years of age.

    * Complete the application requirements.

    * Have your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the DL 44.

    * Pass a traffic laws and road signs test. If you fail the test, you must wait one week before taking it again. This will give you time to study.

    * If you are between 15½ and 17½, provide proof that you have met one of the following requirements:

          o completed driver education (DE) and driver training (DT). (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238)-

          o completed DE and are taking DT. (DL 387, DL 392, OL 237, or OL 392)

          o enrolled and participating in an approved integrated DE/DT program. (DL 400)

The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 17½.

If you only have a provisional permit and you plan to drive outside of California, contact the driver licensing office in that state or country before you drive.

NOTE: If you are at least 17½, you may obtain a permit without completing DE or DT. However, to get a license before you are 18 years old, you must provide proof of DE/DT completion.

Minor's Permit Restrictions

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.

Minor's License Requirements

You must:

    * Be at least 16 years old.

    * Prove that you have finished both DE and DT. (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238)

    * Have had a California instruction permit for at least six months.

    * Provide a parent’s signature on your instruction permit stating you have completed the 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be night driving) outlined in the Parent-Teen Training Guide. Call 1-800- 777-0133 to request this booklet or follow the previous link to view the online version.

    * Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test. You have three chances to pass the driving test while your permit is valid. If you fail the first driving test, you must pay a $6 retest fee for

      a second or third attempt and wait two weeks before you are tested again.

Once you have your provisional license, you may drive alone as long as you do not have accidents or traffic violations. (More information about actions against provisional licenses.)

When you become 18 years old, the "provisional" part of your license ends. You may keep the photo license you have or pay $21 for a duplicate license without the word "provisional."

During the first 12 months after you are licensed, you cannot drive between 11 pm and 5:00 am and you cannot transport passengers under age 20 unless you are accompanied by your parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.

Exceptions - Minor's License Restriction

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’ signa

Answer 2

It isn't a new law, it is a current law. The exerpt below is from the CA DMV Website:

Minor's License Requirements

You must:

Be at least 16 years old.

Prove that you have finished both DE and DT. (DL 387, DL 388, DL 388A, OL 237, or OL 238)

Have had a California instruction permit for at least six months.

Provide a parent’s signature on your instruction permit stating you have completed the 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be night driving) outlined in the Parent-Teen Training Guide. Call 1-800- 777-0133 to request this booklet or follow the previous link to view the online version.

Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test. You have three chances to pass the driving test while your permit is valid. If you fail the first driving test, you must pay a $6 retest fee for

a second or third attempt and wait two weeks before you are tested again.

Once you have your provisional license, you may drive alone as long as you do not have accidents or traffic violations. (More information about actions against provisional licenses.)

When you become 18 years old, the "provisional" part of your license ends. You may keep the photo license you have or pay $21 for a duplicate license without the word "provisional."

During the first 12 months after you are licensed, you cannot drive between 11 pm and 5:00 am and you cannot transport passengers under age 20 unless you are accompanied by your parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years of age or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor.