California permit test: permits & licensing
Learner permit rules, graduated licensing, supervision, curfews and passenger limits. 10 questions.
What is the youngest age at which a California teen can be issued a provisional instruction permit?
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Sample permits & licensing questions
What is the youngest age at which a California teen can be issued a provisional instruction permit?
- A 14 and a half years old
- B 15 years old
- C 16 years old
- D 15 and a half years old
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D. 15 and a half years old
California minors can get an instruction permit once they are at least 15½ and have completed driver education. The permit stage comes first so you can build supervised experience before you can be licensed at 16.
You are 15½ and just received your California instruction permit at the DMV. When may you start driving with it?
- A After you begin behind-the-wheel training and an instructor validates it
- B Right away, with any California-licensed driver 18 or older
- C Right away, as long as a licensed parent sits next to you
- D Only after you finish your 50 hours of supervised practice
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A. After you begin behind-the-wheel training and an instructor validates it
A minor's California permit is not usable on the day it is issued. You must wait until you start behind-the-wheel training with a driving instructor, who validates the permit. This makes sure your first time behind the wheel is with a professional.
Before a California minor can get a provisional license, how much supervised practice driving is required?
- A 60 hours, including 10 hours at night
- B 40 hours, including 10 hours at night
- C 50 hours, including 10 hours at night
- D 50 hours, including 15 hours at night
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C. 50 hours, including 10 hours at night
Minors must log at least 50 hours of practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25, and 10 of those hours must be at night. Night driving is harder, so the law makes sure you get real experience with it before driving alone.
You are 16 and got your California instruction permit 4 months ago. What must happen before you can schedule your behind-the-wheel drive test?
- A Nothing; at 16 you can schedule the test now
- B You must hold the permit for at least 6 months
- C You must hold the permit for at least 9 months
- D You must wait until you turn 17
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B. You must hold the permit for at least 6 months
A minor must hold an instruction permit for at least six months (or turn 18) before scheduling the drive test. The waiting period guarantees months of supervised practice in different conditions before you drive on your own.