California learner’s permit rules: who can drive with you, and for how long

Can you drive alone on a permit?

No. The law allows permit driving only when "accompanied by, and under the immediate supervision of" a licensed driver (Vehicle Code §12509). There's no exception for short trips or quiet streets.

Who can ride with you?

For teens, the age 25 rule doesn't apply to a parent, spouse, guardian or driving instructor (Vehicle Code §12814.6). Whoever rides with you also needs:

• A valid license, not on probation.
• A seat where they can take control: in practice, the front passenger seat.

Sources: DMV Handbook, section 2; §12509.

How long does a permit last?

• Check the date printed on it. Don't drive on it after that date.
• Your application is good for 12 months. If it runs out before a teen has held the permit for six months, they reapply and keep credit for the time already held (DMV learner's permit page).
• Carry it every time you drive. The law requires it to be "in their immediate possession" (§12509).

What's different for teens?

To apply, teens 15½ to 17½ need a driver education certificate and a parent's or guardian's signature (DMV learner's permit page). Then:

1. Wait for the instructor. The permit can't be used until a driving instructor validates it at the first lesson.
2. Practice 50 hours, 10 at night, with a licensed driver who is 25 or older, or a parent, guardian or instructor.
3. Hold the permit six months (or turn 18), and be at least 16, before the drive test.

Sources: Handbook, section 2; §12814.6.

Applying at 17½ or older? You can skip the driver education certificate, but you can't take the drive test until you turn 18. Every step from permit to license: our teen driver checklist.

What about adults?

At 18 or older, there's no driver education and no set number of hours. Pass the vision and knowledge tests, then practice with a licensed driver who is 18 or older until you're ready for the drive test (Handbook, section 2). Where to start: learning to drive as an adult.

How do you get the permit?

At a DMV office: the application, your identity and residency documents, the fee, a vision test and the knowledge test (80% to pass, started before 4:30 p.m.) (DMV learner's permit page). What's on the test: our DMV written test guide.

How can LLG help?

Bring your original, valid California permit or license to every lesson. We pick you up in the listed cities from San Francisco to San Jose and Oakland, in a dual-control car (the instructor has their own brake).

• Teens: Teen Driving Lessons, $600 · three 2-hour lessons. The six hours of training the DMV requires; the instructor validates the permit at the start.
• Adults: Adult & Nervous Driver Lessons, from $200 · one 2-hour lesson.