California’s provisional driving license, granted to new drivers under 18, comes with specific restrictions. These limitations govern who a provisional licensee may transport. For example, during the first 12 months after receiving a provisional license, transporting passengers under 20 years old who are not immediate family members is prohibited unless a licensed driver 25 years of age or older is present. After the first 12 months, driving siblings is generally permitted, though certain restrictions related to nighttime driving may still apply.
These regulations are designed to promote safety among new drivers. Teen drivers statistically pose a higher risk on the road, and limiting passenger distractions helps mitigate this risk. By restricting passenger transport, particularly of peers, California aims to create a safer driving environment for young drivers, their passengers, and the public. This approach reflects a broader trend in graduated driver licensing programs, which incrementally introduce driving privileges to new drivers as they gain experience.
