California Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Stage-by-stage licensing rules for new drivers: minimum ages, holding periods, supervised hours, curfews, and passenger restrictions.
- Earliest permit age
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15 years 6 months
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Applying For An Instruction Permit, p. 3.
- Permit holding period (months)
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6
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Applying For A Driver's License, p. 3.
- Supervised driving hours required
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50
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Applying For A Driver's License, p. 3.
- Of which, night hours
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10
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Applying For A Driver's License, p. 3.
- Earliest intermediate license age
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16
- Intermediate curfew: start time
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11:00 p.m.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions, p. 4.
- Intermediate curfew: end time
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5:00 a.m.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions, p. 4.
- Intermediate passenger restriction
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During the first 12 months a provisional driver holds the license, they may not drive with any passenger under age 20 unless a parent or guardian, or another California-licensed driver at least 25 years old, is riding in the vehicle. Exceptions require a signed note the driver must carry: from a physician (medical need with recovery date), from the school principal, dean, or designee (schooling or school activities), from an employer (work reasons), or from a parent or legal guardian (transporting an immediate family member, with the reason and the end date). A parent or guardian may also cancel a teen's license entirely by filing a Request for Cancellation or Surrender of a Driver License or ID Card form.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions, p. 4.
- Earliest full license age
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17
Source: California Driver's Handbook (2025), Section 2: Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions, p. 4.
- Minimum age: learner permit
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15 years and 6 months. An applicant under 18 must also complete a driver education program and have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application and accept financial responsibility. Where the parents or guardians share joint custody, both must sign. The permit cannot be used until behind-the-wheel training starts with an instructor who validates it.
- Minimum age: driver license
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16
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