By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated November 6, 2026 · How we check our content
Practicing with a minor's permit
Legal rule
Under 18, you need a permit and supervision from a licensed California adult who is at least 25, such as a parent, guardian or instructor. Your permit must be validated by a driving instructor before you practice.
Example: A 19-year-old cousin offers to supervise. That doesn't qualify for a minor, so you practice with your aunt instead.
Check the official wording in the California Driver Handbook.
Supervised practice hours
Legal rule
Teens must log supervised driving time, including some at night, before taking the drive test. Study apps and quizzes don't count toward these hours.
Example: You've aced every practice exam, but you still need your night hours, so you schedule evening drives.
Check the official wording in the California Driver Handbook.
Taking the knowledge test
Legal rule
Study before the test, not during it. Phones, notes and other help are not allowed while you take the official exam. Check the DMV website for current test format and passing requirements.
Example: On test day you leave your phone in the car and rely on what you've practiced.
Check the official wording in the California Driver Handbook.
Check yourself
Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.
Question 1 · Permits and Test Preparation
A 16-year-old with a validated instruction permit plans ordinary practice driving. Who must supervise?
- A. Practice with any licensed friend who is 18 or older, as long as they sit in the front passenger seat.
- B. Assume passing the knowledge test permits solo driving.
- C. Practice alone on quiet streets.
- D. Drive only with an eligible adult 25 or older who holds a valid California license riding along.
Show answer
Answer: D. Drive only with an eligible adult 25 or older who holds a valid California license riding along.
A minor's practice must be supervised by a parent, guardian, spouse, driving instructor or other licensed California adult who is 25 or older. A younger licensed friend does not qualify, and passing the written test does not allow solo driving.
Question 2 · Permits and Test Preparation
A minor has studied every lesson but has not completed required supervised driving. What is still necessary?
- A. Complete the required supervised practice, including the required night practice.
- B. Nothing more, as long as the practice tests show you know the rules.
- C. Count only simulator time.
- D. Replace practice with mock exam scores.
Show answer
Answer: A. Complete the required supervised practice, including the required night practice.
Minor licensing requires supervised road practice with a night component; app study does not replace it.
Question 3 · Permits and Test Preparation
A minor has received an instruction permit but has not begun the required instructor session. What should happen before practice?
- A. Start practicing with a parent right away.
- B. Skip behind-the-wheel instruction.
- C. Assume a friend’s signature validates it.
- D. Wait until the required instructor validation before using the minor’s permit to practice.
Show answer
Answer: D. Wait until the required instructor validation before using the minor’s permit to practice.
A minor’s instruction permit has a driver-training validation requirement before practice use.
Question 4 · Permits and Test Preparation
A 24-year-old new driver has an instruction permit. What supervision is needed for practice?
- A. Practice alone on quiet streets, since adults don't need a supervisor with a permit.
- B. Practice with a California-licensed driver at least 18 who can take control if necessary.
- C. Use a remote video call as supervision.
- D. Use an unlicensed adult passenger.
Show answer
Answer: B. Practice with a California-licensed driver at least 18 who can take control if necessary.
An adult instruction permit still requires qualifying in-person supervision during practice.
Question 5 · Permits and Test Preparation
You are about to start the official DMV knowledge test. When may you use this practice app?
- A. Use a hidden handbook page.
- B. Keep this app open during the official test, as long as it's only for reference.
- C. Ask another person for answers while testing.
- D. Use study aids before the exam, not during the official knowledge test.
Show answer
Answer: D. Use study aids before the exam, not during the official knowledge test.
The official knowledge test prohibits testing aids; app practice should remain separate from the test itself.
Question 6 · Permits and Test Preparation
Who certifies that a minor has completed the required supervised driving hours?
- A. The DMV examiner, who checks the log on the day of the driving test.
- B. The licensed adult, 25 or older, who supervised the practice.
- C. Any adult friend over 18.
- D. The minor, by signing alone.
Show answer
Answer: B. The licensed adult, 25 or older, who supervised the practice.
The supervising adult, who must be 25 or older and hold a valid California license, certifies the practice hours.
Next: Signs and Signals. Sign shapes, red-light turns, yellow lights and dark signals.