CA AB2385

Expands California's provisional licensing program to include drivers aged 16-20 (currently ages 16-17 only), effective January 1, 2027, with restrictions on night driving (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) and passenger limits for first 12 months for ages 16-17, and first 6 months for ages 18-20.

Raises the minimum age to obtain an instruction permit from 17 years 6 months to 20 years 6 months for those without driver education coursework, effective January 1, 2027; raises required supervising driver age from 18 to 21 years old.

Requires drivers ages 18-20 to hold instruction permits for minimum 60 days (instead of 6 months for younger drivers) before applying for provisional licenses, effective July 1, 2027.

Mandates driving schools and independent instructors to offer installment payment plans for behind-the-wheel instruction starting January 1, 2025, with no additional fees; allows Department of Motor Vehicles to charge schools up to $1 per certificate of completion starting January 1, 2026.

Provides that expanded provisional licensing violations constitute infractions, creating state-mandated local program obligations, with exception for certain active military members and commercial driver's license holders.