My DD is 17 1/2 years old. I am reading DMV guidelines, but it is still unclear to me whether or not she is required to complete Drivers ED and behind the wheel training with outside company. From what I understand one of the parents can sign provisional permit after a minor reached age of 17 1/2, but the language on DMV website is so convoluted that I want to double check.
yes you child HAS to have BOTH Drivers Ed AND behind the wheel training with an outside company.
this website helps explain it in clear language[ its not the DMV website]
http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/drivers-training.php
here is the official DMV page regarding all the requirements for teenagers to acquire an DL-
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/minors
Thank you @menloparkmom for a very helpful information. I guess my confusion comes from this paragraph I found in the second link
your confusion is understandable…
No, you do not need outside training if you are 17 1/2 when you take written/knowledge permit test. 17-1/2 and over is the magic number. You just have to wait till you are 18 to get license, which makes sense giving you time on the permit. Read what you posted again, it is very clear:
If you are over 17 1/2 years old but under 18 years old, you may get your permit without a California driver education and driver training certificate; however, you will not be allowed to take the driving test until you turn 18 years old.
Here it is again in total from the handbook:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/minors
California Driver Handbook - Special Section - Minors
Minors’ Permit Requirements
A minor is a person under 18 years old. Minors must have their applications (for a DL or any change of DL class) signed by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). If both parents/guardians have joint custody, both must sign.
NOTE: Minors may not work as a driver for pay and they may not drive a school bus containing pupils.
To get a permit you must:
Be at least 15½ years old, but under 18 years old.
Complete the Driver License or Identification Card Application (DL 44) form.
Have your parent(s) or guardian(s) sign the DL 44 form.
Pass the knowledge test. If you fail the test, you must wait 7 days (1 week), not including the day the test was failed before retaking the test.
If you are 15½–17½ years old, you will need to provide proof that you:
Completed driver education (Certificate of Completion of Driver Education) OR
Are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program (Certificate of Enrollment in an Integrated [Classroom] Driver Education and Driver Training Program). For more information, refer to the Provisional Licensing (FFDL 19) Fast Facts brochure at www.dmv.ca.gov.
The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach age 17½.
If you have a permit and plan to drive outside of California, check licensing requirements in that state or country.
NOTE: If you are at least 17½ years old, you may obtain a permit without completing driver education or driver training. However, you cannot get a DL before you are 18 years old.
Thank you @scotlandcalling but I think you can take a driving test at and after 17 1/2, but you will not get your driving license until you are 18. My DD already passed written test in march and has a provisional permit. Next step would be to take a driving test.
I’m not a CA resident, but in my state, a person has to have a permit for six months before (s)he can take the driving part of the test to get a valid license. So, I can see where a CA resident who takes the written test at 17 1/2 will be 18 before they would be allowed to have a valid license.
My DD took a written test at 17. I am only questioning the driving portion of the test.