California Restricted License
The two types of California restricted licenses are instruction permits for young drivers and restricted licenses for drivers with suspensions.
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
There are two types of limited driver’s licenses in California: instruction permits and restricted licenses. These provisional licenses allow new drivers and drivers with violations to get behind the wheel—with certain limitations in place.
If you have questions about the different kinds of restricted driver’s licenses in California, read on for a quick guide from
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison app. We’ll cover the different kinds of restricted licenses, how to get them, and how to get the best rate possible on your car insurance in California
—even if you’re a new driver or have had some violations. RECOMMENDED
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What is a restricted license in California?
Two types of California driver’s licenses have a limitation placed on them:
- Instruction permits: Sometimes called a learner’s permit, these are for drivers under the age of 18 or adult drivers who have never had a driver’s license before.
- Restricted/critical need license: If yourlicense was suspendedor revoked due to violations, you can apply for a restricted license that will allow you to drive under certain circumstances.
MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
How to get a California instruction permit
To get a Provisional Instruction Permit in California, you must:
- Be at least 15.5 years and under 18 years of age
- Complete aCalifornia Driver’s License or Identification (DL/ID) Card Applicationand have your parent or guardian sign it
- Provide your name, Social Security Number, andproof of residency
- Pass avision test
- Pass a 46-questionKnowledge Test
- If you’re under 17.5 years of age, you’ll need to provide proof of completion or proof of enrollment in a driver’s education program
If you’re over 18, the process for getting a Regular Instruction Permit is the same as above, but no parental signatures or driver’s education courses are needed.
Applications can be made at any
California DMV Field Office
. An Instruction Permit is valid for 12 months. Restrictions on a California instruction permit
Driving with an instruction permit in California comes with certain limitations. These include restrictions on when you can drive, and who must be in the vehicle with you.
If you have a provisional learner’s permit, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed California driver age 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor. This person must be in a position to take control of the vehicle, if necessary.
If you’re a minor when you get your full driver’s license, you will also be forbidden from driving between 11 pm and 5 am—unless you’re accompanied by a driver with the credentials mentioned above.
MORE: Your questions about teenage car insurance, answered
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How to get a California restricted license
Getting your driver’s license revoked is a serious pain but happens more often than you might think. In California, you can get your license revoked for anything from failure to have insurance to a
DUI
or a reckless driving charge. In most cases, you’ll just have to deal with the inconvenience and rely on public transportation or rides from friends until your suspension has run its course. That being said, if there are extenuating circumstances and not being able to drive is a severe hardship, you can apply for a restricted license.
Obtaining a restricted license can vary depending on why your license was suspended and other circumstances. Here are the general steps you need to take to obtain one:
- File an SR-22 (and keep it for four years)
- Pay a reissue fee, if due
- If your license was suspended for a DUI, you must have agreed to take a chemical sobriety test when requested
- Enroll in or complete a DUI program if required
Additionally, you’ll often be required to specifically demonstrate why public transportation is not a viable option for you.
Restrictions on a California restricted license
Even if you do get approved for a restricted license, there are only certain circumstances under which you will be able to drive. These reasons are:
- To transport a minor to and from school
- To travel to and from work
- To travel to and from a DUI program
- To travel for medical treatments
Again, be prepared to show why public or other means of transportation are not workable solutions for you.
How to find affordable car insurance in California
Car insurance is expensive in California under normal circumstances, and it can be even more stressful to try to find a reasonable deal if you’re a young driver or have had some traffic tickets. With help from
Jerry
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