So, you’re 17 years old and asking yourself: “Should I get my California drivers license now, or wait until I’m 18?”
With more ways to get around than ever before, lots of teens question when they should get behind the wheel. The majority of teens in the U.S. start driving while they’re still in high school, but is it the right decision for you? In this post, we’ll explore the pros of waiting vs. not waiting to get your California drivers license and how the process varies between the two.
The Pros and Cons of Waiting Until You're 18
The pros of waiting until you’re 18 years old:
Cheaper
Fewer driving restrictions
Don’t have to take drivers ed to get the learner’s permit
The pros of getting a drivers license before 18 years old:
You’ll have your drivers license sooner.
You’ll be able to learn the rules of the road faster and first-hand.
Studies have shown people who drive before 18 are safer.
Waiting Until 18 vs Not Waiting to Get Your California Drivers License
Each state makes their own regulations on who can drive and at what age. In California, you can start the process of becoming a driver at 15.5 years old. But what if you’re older than that? If you are almost 18 years old and living in California, you have two options for getting your drivers license.
Get Your California Drivers License Before You Turn 18
If you are between 15.5 - 17.5 years old, you must first get a Provisional Instruction Permit:
Complete a California drivers ed course - with the Aceable app it’s easy!
Apply for a provisional permit
Pay the required $39 fee
Pass the vision test
Pass the written knowledge test
Drive with a licensed driver for six months
Please note that if all requirements are not met within 12 months of applying, the application is considered void and all steps must be repeated.
Once you pass the knowledge test and drive collision-free for six months, you can step it up to a full-fledged California provisional drivers license. During those six months, you must log 50 hours of drive time with a licensed driver who is over 25 years old, 10 hours of which must take place at night. In addition to these hours, you must also complete 6 hours of driver training with a professional instructor.
BONUS TIP: Your permit application fee covers 3 exams of any kind within 12 months. So if you take the drivers license test six months after getting your permit, it covers the cost of both!
Waiting to Get Your California Drivers License
If you are older than 17.5 years old, you don’t have to take drivers ed to get your learner's permit or license. All you have to do is study up for the licensing exam and then make an appointment at the DMV to take the knowledge test.
After your exam, you must clock 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, 10 of which must be at night. Once you have completed your hours, you can take your road test and apply for your intermediate license (aka your provisional license).
Once you have your provisional license, you can drive alone. During the first 12 months, however, there are still a few restrictions on your provisional license:
You can't drive between 11 p.m. - 5 a.m.
No passengers under 20 years old can be in the vehicle, unless you're with a licensed driver over 25 years old.
Once you turn 18 years old, these provisional license restrictions will disappear. Congrats, you’re a fully licensed California driver!
Still have questions? Check out our California Drivers Ed FAQ!
This article was updated on 12/13/23