Provisional license restrictions — California Permit Test

A driver under 18 years old holds a provisional license, and the word provisional is printed on the card.

The word on the card is a reminder that the license comes with limits the adult one does not.

When you are under 18 years old, your driver’s license will have the word provisional.

A provisional driver may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months they hold the license.

Those are the hours when a new driver is most tired and the roads carry the most trouble.

Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months you have your license.

A provisional driver may not carry passengers under 20 years old unless a parent, guardian or other California-licensed driver at least 25 years old rides with them.

Friends in the car are the loudest distraction a new driver meets, and the rule keeps them out.

With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) rides with you.

A provisional driver may not drive for pay or operate a vehicle that requires a commercial Class A, B or C license.

Working behind the wheel means long hours and heavy vehicles, which is not where a first year belongs.

For pay or operate vehicles that require a commercial Class A, B, or C license.

A provisional driver with a medical need who cannot reasonably find another way to travel must carry a note signed by their physician giving the condition and the date they are expected to recover.

The note is what turns a story at the roadside into something an officer can check.

Have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel.

A provisional driver who must drive for work carries a note signed by their employer confirming the employment, and one who drives for school carries a note signed by the principal, dean or designee.

Each exception has its own signer, and the wrong signature is the same as no note at all.

Must drive for work reasons. You must carry a note signed by your employer.

A parent or guardian may cancel a teen’s license by completing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card form.

The adult who signed for the teen can take the signature back, and the form is how.

NOTE: A parent or guardian may cancel their teen’s license by completing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card form.

What word appears on the license of a driver under 18?

Provisional. The word on the card is a reminder that the license comes with limits the adult one does not. California Driver’s Handbook, p.4: “When you are under 18 years old, your driver’s license will have the word provisional.”