What is the minimum age required to apply for a provisional license in California?

To apply for a provisional license in California, the minimum age is 16 years old. This requirement is part of the state's graduated licensing program, which is designed to ensure that young drivers gain experience and develop their skills behind the wheel before obtaining a full, unrestricted license.

At the age of 16, applicants must have completed driver education, held a learner’s permit for at least six months, and completed a minimum number of supervised driving hours. This structured approach helps to build responsible driving behaviors and enhances road safety by ensuring that younger drivers have sufficient experience before they are fully licensed.