Teen Drivers

Graduated Drivers License Basics

California led the nation when it first passed its Graduated Driver's License (GDL) law in 1997. This new law put clear restrictions on when a teen driver may drive and who is permitted to ride along with a new driver.

The newest restrictions, enacted in January of 2006, are expected to cut down the number of teen car accidents and the number of teens who are injured or killed each year in California. The latest amendments to California's GDL law include:

• Teens who have had their driver's license less than one year may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless the driver is accompanied by licensed driver age 25 or older. There may be exceptions for a job, school, a family need, or a medical emergency.

• Teens who have held their driver's license less than one year may not transport any passengers younger than 20 (except family members) without having someone 25 or older in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

Exceptions to Those Restrictions

The state relaxs the overnight driving restrictions during the first year of holding a provisional license only under some very specific situations:

• When a teen's medical condition requires being able to drive during the normally restricted hours. (Must have a note signed by your doctor in hand.)

• If employment takes place during restricted hours and there is no other transportation options available. (Must carry a note signed by their employer.)

• For school or school activities warrant being out during the rstricted time. (Must have a note signed by the principal or authorized school official on your person.)

• Should you or your family member has a specific need to be transported during the restricted times. (Must possess a note signed by your parent or guardian.)

• Note: If you have already completed the legal steps to be considered an emancipated minor, the 11 p.m.-5 a.m. restrictions do not apply.

Why Target Teens?

The most common cause of death for teens in the United States is traffic accidents. A combination of inexperience and risk-taking leads to potentially dangerous situations.

Another serious danger to the youngest drivers is the use of drugs or alcohol.

To speak to teenage drivers directly about the responsibilities they face and how to get a license, the California DMV has created a Web site just for them. The DMV's teen Web site offers a cool interactive interface that tells new drivers what some of the hazards are, details how to get a learner's permit, lets applicants take a sample written test, and gives tips on passing the driving test.

Getting Your License

For step-by-step instructions on getting your driver's license, read our driver education article. To help you develop more advanced skills behind the wheel, we can help you understand the driver training process, too.

Provisional License

After passing the road test you'll be given a provisional license. If you're younger than 18 years old this requires you to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, licensed driver 25 years old or older, or a licensed, certified driving instructor while:

• Driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months or until you turn 18.

• Driving with any number of passengers younger than 20 years old, for the first 12 months or until you turn 18.

Driving Tips for Teen Drivers

The fact that you have a California learner's permit or driver's license means that you are no longer a little kid. So now is the time to start showing that you really can be the responsible young adult you want people to think you are. To drive like a grown-up, follow these tips:

• Buckle up: Both you and all your passengers should be buckled up before you turn over the ignition. In California, wearing seatbelts is mandatory. If you do have an accident and someone in your car is not buckled up, you could be charged with a crime.

  Allow plenty of room: In other words, back off. Always drive with the "three-second rule" in mind. Look at the vehicle ahead of you and note when it crosses a shadow over the road or passes a certain mark. If it takes your vehicle less than a count of three to reach the same spot, chill out; you are following too close.

  Slow down: Young drivers underestimate the power (and weight) of a vehicle speeding down the roadway―and they overestimate their ability to control and react to an emergency situation. When you consider those two factors, it's easy to understand why 37% of all teen fatalities from car accidents have been linked to speeding.

  Watch the intersections: In 2003, 58% of crashes in urban areas occurred at intersections. Drivers who run red lights are a major cause of serious injuries. Assume (for safety's sake) that the other driver is going to make an illegal maneuver, and be ready to avoid the problem.

  No smoking in the car: It's illegal to do so with minors present, so if you get pulled over and there's smoke in the air, expect a $100 fine.

  No drugs or alcohol in your car: If you know your friends use drugs or alcohol, do not allow them to ride with you―it's as simple as that. Besides the fact that it's illegal in all 50 states, teen drinking is involved in one-third of all teen driving fatalities. Don't lose your license―or your life―because of one night of partying.

Be a Smart Teen Driver

• Follow the rules: Your driving record will be with you for a long time. Some violations will be on your record forever. The cost of your car insurance premiums is determined by how good a driver you are, and the very lives of you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road rest in your hands.

  Don't cave to peer pressure: Sure, it's cool that you can drive (and that your parents trust you enough to let you). Don't blow that trust by allowing friends to entice or cajole you into activity that may get you into trouble―or into an accident.

  Be in charge: In your car, you set the rules of conduct for yourself and your passengers. Remembering all the things you need to drive a car safely just won't work if you have a bunch of rowdy friends along, music up loud, drinking soda, eating burgers, while everyone is chatting on their cell phones.

  Get more help, if needed: Despite the fact that you have followed the regulations and studied to receive your California driver's license or permit, there may be gray areas of driving that you are still not sure of or confident in. It shows maturity to admit that you could use some more driving lessons.

  Absolutely NO electronic devices while driving: On July 1st, 2008, using a cell phone (even with a headset), or any other mobile service device (PDA, laptop, pager, walkie-talkie, etc.) while driving will be illegal for under-18s. Experienced drivers become horrible when using electronics; for the inexperienced, it's just plain asking for trouble. Distractions are the No. 1 cause of teen car accidents.

  If you run into car problems, have an accident, or get into a situation that you are not equipped to deal with, pull to a safe spot, then make a call.