Section 4 - Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License When You are Under 18 Years Old

Question 1

If you’re under 18 years old, you are a ________.

Answer 1

minor

Question 2

If you are a minor, you can/cannot apply for a minor’s (provisional) instruction permit and a provisional driver’s license with/without the approval of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Answer 2

If you are a minor, you can apply for a minor’s (provisional) instruction permit and a provisional driver’s license with the approval of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Question 3

What’s the minimum age you need to be to get your instruction permit?

Answer 3

At least 15 1/2 years old.

Question 4

Before you get your instruction permit, what must you complete?

Answer 4

A driver education program.

Question 5

Both parents have joint custody over you. How many parental signatures do you need in order to get an instruction permit?

Answer 5

Both must sign. Two.

Question 6

Before you obtain your instruction permit, you must…..

Answer 6

pass a knowledge test.

Question 7

Before you get your instruction permit, what must you complete?

Answer 7

the Driver’s License and ID Card application at dmv.ca.gov

Question 8

True or False - As a minor, your instruction permit is not valid until you start behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor who signs the permit.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Does your instruction permit allow you to drive alone at any time?

Answer 9

No, it does not.

Your instruction permit does not allow you to drive alone at any time, not even to a DMV office to take a driving test. You must practice driving with a California-licensed driver such as:

• Your parent or guardina
• A driving instructor
• Your spouse
• An adult who is at least 25 years old

Question 10

Can minors drive for pay or operate commercial vehicles?

Answer 10

No, they cannot.

Question 11

How many months must you have a minor’s instruction permit before you can apply for a minor’s driver license?

Answer 11

At least 6 months

Question 12

You must be at least _____ years old before you get your driver’s license.

Answer 12

16 years old

Question 13

Before you get your minor’s driver’s license, you must prove that you completed:

A) driver education

B) driver training

C) A + B

Answer 13

C. You must prove that you completed both driver education and driver training

Question 14

True or False - Before you obtain your minor’s driver’s license, you must practice driving for at least 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

True or False - You must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test in order to obtain a minor’s driver’s license.

Answer 15

True.

Question 16

True or False - Certain restrictions exist when you have a minor’s driver’s license.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

What are the two restrictions when you have a minor’s driver’s license?

Answer 17

1) You cannot drive between 11pm and 5am during the first 12 months you have your license
2) You cannot drive with passengers younger than 20 years old, unless a parent/guardian or other California-licensed driver (25 years and older) rides with you

Question 18

What are the exceptions to the restrictions on a minor’s driver’s license?

Answer 18

1) You have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel
- Your note must be signed by a physician. The note must have your diagnosis and the date when you are expected to recover.
2) You are driving for schooling or school activity
- You must carry a note signed by your school principal, dean or designee.
3) You must drive for work reasons
- You must carry a note signed by your employer. The note must confirm your employment.
4) You must drive an immediate family member
- You must carry a note signed by your parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The note must state the reason you need to drive, the family member, and a date when the need will end.

Question 19

Do the restrictions and exceptions of a minor’s driver’s license apply to emancipated minors?

Answer 19

No, they don’t.

An emancipated minor is no longer under the care and control of parents or guardians. They must provide court documents proving their emancipation and a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22/ SR 1P) instead of parent or guardian signatures.

Question 20

What may happen if you get into an accident or commit a traffic violation within 12 months of obtaining a minor’s driver’s license?

Answer 20

If you get into collisions or commit traffic violations within the first 12 months, DMV may restrict or suspend your driving privilege. You cannot drive if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked.

Question 21

You’re a minor and got a traffic ticket. What will happen if you fail to appear in court?

Answer 21

The DMV may suspend your driving privilege until you appear in court.

Question 22

Can the DMV take action against your license if you’re a minor and have 1 “at fault” collision or traffic violation conviction?

Answer 22

Yes

Question 23

You’re a minor and have 2 “at fault” collisions, 2 traffic violation convictions, or 1 of each. What kind of restriction will the DMV place on you?

Answer 23

You cannot drive for 30 days unless a licensed adult at least 25 years old rides with you.

Question 24

What will happen if you’re a minor and have 3 “at fault” collisions, 3 traffic violations, or a combination?

Answer 24

Your driving privilege will be suspended for 6 months. You will be on probation for 1 year.

• If you have more “at fault” collisions or traffic violation convictions while on probation, your license will be suspended again.
• Traffic violations resolved in juvenile court are reported to DMV.

Question 25

If you’re a minor between 13-21 years old and are convicted of using alcohol and/or a controlled substance, what will happen to your license?

Answer 25

The court will order DMV to suspend your driving privilege for 1 year or delay your eligibility to apply for a driver’s license.

Question 26

Does turning 18 years old “erase” or end existing restrictions, suspensions or probation sentences?

Answer 26

No, it does not.

Question 27

When you turn 18 yeas old, can you get a regular (non-provisional) driver’s license?

Answer 27

Yes, you can!

Question 28

It is __________ the law for a minor to use a cell phone or electronic wireless communications device while driving.

Answer 28

against

Question 29

What must driving schools and instructors be according to DMV standards?

Answer 29

They must be

1) licensed by DMV
2) Insured
3) Bonded

Question 30

How often must driving school vehicles be inspected?

Answer 30

They must be inspected every year.

Question 31

DMV instructors must pass a written exam every _____ years or show proof of keeping their education up to date.

Answer 31

Three

Question 32

Driving instructors must carry an card.

_____ to see it.

Answer 32

Instructor’s ID

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