CA Graduated Drivers License (GDL)

Studies have shown that the top cause of injuries and deaths in the 15 to 19 age group is auto-related accidents. This is the primary reason why California observes a three-stage driver licensing system for teenagers. Enacted in 1998, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law is meant to reduce incidents of car crashes involving teen drivers.

If you are planning to get your California driver’s license, here are the three stages you will have to go through: Learner’s Permit, Provisional License and Full License.

Learner’s Permit

This is the first stage in a teen’s journey to becoming a licensed CA driver. To get a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 ½ years old. You also should have finished a drivers education program. In California, teens need to take a minimum of 30 hrs of formal drivers ed lessons. Plus, 6 hrs of behind the wheel training. The driving school is going to issue a certificate as proof that you’ve finished the course and you’d need to submit this to the DMV.

Aside from the completion certificate, you also need to present a state-certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of residence and social security number. If you have all the required documents, you’d be given an exam on basic driving, road signs and traffic laws, among others. You are also going to undergo a vision test. Once you pass these tests, you’ll be given your learner’s permit.

In order to advance to the next stage – provisional license, you have to comply with some regulations.

• Drive only when you are supervised by an adult, over 25 years old and with a CA driver’s license.
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including practicing at night for 10 hours.
• No drinking and driving.
• No using of mobile devices like phones while driving.
• Maintain a good driving record.

Provisional License

In order to be eligible for a provisional license, you must be 16 to 18 years old. You should also have completed the mandatory 50 hrs of supervised driving practice. As proof, you need a parent’s signature on the instructor’s permit. You also need to pass an actual driving test at the DMV.

Having a provisional license means having more freedom. However, restrictions as to what you can do are still there:

• No driving between 11 P.M. and 5 A.M. for the first 12 months unless you are with a licensed driver aged 25 and up.
• No passengers below 20 years old except if you are with a licensed adult aged 25 or older.
• No alcoholic beverages in your vehicle.
• No using of mobile devices like phones while driving.

Full License

A full license can only be issued if you are at least 18 years old. In addition, you should have completed the requirements in stages 1 and 2 (learner’s permit and provisional license). Your record should also be.

For more information on CA graduated drivers license, go to the CA DMV website.

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