A provisional driver's license is an intermediate license issued to young drivers aged 15½ to 18 or older first-time drivers. It’s the first step in a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program in many states. Provisional licenses are also called provisional instruction permits or learner's permits.
A provisional license serves as a bridge between the learner's permit and a full, unrestricted driver's license. It gives new drivers limited driving privileges as they learn driving skills and gain experience.
As a learner driver, practicing safe driving will ensure you’ll soon be able to move from a provisional license to a full driver’s license.
The Latest Requirements for a Provisional Driver's License
Each state has specific rules for provisional licenses, so it’s important to check the requirements in your state. However, here are the typical requirements for a provisional license.
Be between 15 and 18 years old.
Complete a driver’s education course, online or in person.
Acquire a learner’s permit valid for six to twelve months, as per your state’s requirements.
Complete a certain number of supervised driving hours. This is typically 50 hours, with at least 10 hours of nighttime driving included, but it could be more in some states.
Pass a written knowledge exam at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Pass a vision test.
Pay the DMV’s application fee, which is under $100 in most states.
When applying for your provisional license, take the following documents along:
Proof of identity, like a birth certificate or passport.
Social Security card.
Proof of residency. This could be a school, medical, insurance, bank, or government-issued document.
Learner’s permit.
Proof of car insurance or that you are on your parents’ insurance.
Driver education certificate of completion.
Provisional License Safety Rules for New Drivers
Under a provisional driver’s license, you must adhere to certain limitations and restrictions. These aim to keep you safe on the roads as you build your confidence behind the wheel. These restrictions include:
Passenger limits. Many states limit the number and age of passengers provisional licensed drivers can carry. For example, California doesn’t allow drivers under 18 to carry passengers under age 20 for the first 12 months unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years of age.
Nighttime curfews. Many states prohibit driving late at night between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for work, school, or an emergency.
No drinking and driving. Most states enforce a 0% BAC rule for provisional drivers, even if the legal limit for adults is 0.08%.
No cell phone use. In most states, provisional drivers are banned from using cell phones or other electronic devices, even hands-free devices.
Your license could be suspended if you get caught breaking these or any other traffic laws.
How Parents Can Encourage Safe Driving on a Provisional License
Here are some strategies you can use to encourage safe driving habits when your child holds a provisional driver’s license.
1. Model Good Driving Behavior
Hopefully, you’ve always practiced safe driving as your kids were growing up, but it’s especially important as they become drivers. Children tend to do as you do rather than do as you say. Modeling safe driving practices sets a good example for them to follow.
2. Discuss Driving Responsibilities
Have regular conversations with your teen about driver responsibilities and safety, such as vehicle inspections and driving within the speed limit.
Discuss dangerous scenarios that could occur on the roads, such as driving in bad weather conditions, and how to adjust their driving behavior to avoid an accident.
3. Consider Using a Driving Monitoring Application
There are driver monitoring apps specifically designed for teen drivers. These apps can alert you if your teen has been speeding, accelerating rapidly, or using their cell phone.
Common Teen Driving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Teen drivers with provisional licenses are inexperienced and more inclined to make mistakes while driving. Here are some common teen driving mistakes and what you can do to prevent them.
Driving too fast. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35% of male drivers aged 15-20 involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were speeding, compared to 18% of female drivers. Don’t succumb to peer pressure to drive faster or engage in other reckless driving.
Texting and driving. One in three teens admits to texting while driving. Distracted driving, especially for new drivers, significantly increases the risk of a car accident. Put your phone away, preferably in a place you can’t reach while driving.
Not wearing a seat belt. According to the CDC, seat belt use among young drivers 16–24 years old is consistently lower than among adults 25 years and older. Always buckle up, even if you’re driving a short distance, and ask your passengers to do the same.
Tailgating. Many teens don’t realize that driving too close to the car in front can lead to an accident. Should that car stop suddenly, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting it. Follow the three-second rule. Choose a fixed point along the road in line with the car in front of you and make sure you can count to three before you reach the same point.
In Conclusion
A provisional driver’s license helps new teen drivers become more confident behind the wheel before becoming fully licensed drivers. The limitations of a provisional license act as guard rails to keep you safe as you slowly gain more driving experience. It’s an exciting time when you will develop the skills to become a safer driver.
Updated 12/23/2024
