NO ONE IS BORN A GOOD DRIVER. THAT WOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW.
To help reduce teen accidents, California initiated the Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) program in 1998. GDL gradually introduces teen drivers to the responsibilities of the road. The program has 3 stages (Provisional Learner’s Permit, Provisional License and Adult License) and every driver under 18 must successfully complete them to be issued a California drivers license. The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy will guide you through the first two stages and prepare you for success in stage three and beyond.
STAGE 1: PROVISIONAL LEARNER’S PERMIT
To obtain a provisional learner’s permit, you must:
- Be at least 15 ½ years old, but under age 18
- Either be enrolled in an integrated driver education and training program, have completed driver education (not required if 17 ½ or older)
- Complete a DMV application form DL44, signed by parents or guardians
- Present an acceptable birth date and proof of legal presence document.
- Pay the $25 application fee
- Pass the DMV WRITTEN Test – which include traffic laws and road signs
- Pass the DMV VISION Test
Once a provisional learner’s permit is obtained, you must:
- Hold the learner’s permit for at least 6 months
- Either complete driver education and behind-the-wheel training in an integrated program or a behind-the-wheel training course in a regular driver education programfor a total of at least 6 hours behind the wheel and 30 hours of classroom or online instruction
- Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 at night, with a California licensed adult who is at least 25 years old or a California licensed driving instructor.
- If the student is over 17 ½ when getting a learner’s permit, then an adult license would be obtained at 18 years of age – even if the learner’s permit wasn’t possessed for a full six months. (Go to stage: 3)
STAGE: 2 PROVISIONAL LICENSE
To obtain a provisional license, you must:
- Complete Stage 1
- Be at least 16 years old, but less than 18
- Schedule and pass the DMV behind-the-wheel driving test
Once you are issued a provisional license, you must:
- Refrain from driving with passengers under age 20 for the first year (or until you turn 18) unless a licensed driver age 25 or older is present
- Refrain from driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first year (or until you turn 18) unless accompanied by licensed driver age 25 or older
- Not have more than one at-fault accident and/or conviction within 12 months
- Not drink and drive. Even a 0.01% concentration of alcohol in the blood will result in a one-year license suspension for drivers under 21
- Refrain from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle until you turn 18
STAGE 3: ADULT LICENSE
A provisional license automatically becomes an adult license when you:
- Turn 18 (although any outstanding DMV or court-ordered restrictions, suspensions or probations will continue until the full term is served)
- Do not drink and drive. Even a 0.01% concentration of alcohol in the blood will result in a one-year license suspension for drivers under 21
