What is a provisional license?
A provisional license — sometimes called an intermediate, conditional, or restricted license depending on the state — is the credential issued to a new driver after they pass the road test but before they qualify for an unrestricted full license. Unlike a learner's permit, a provisional license allows solo driving. Unlike a full license, it carries enforced restrictions that automatically lift after a clean period or at age 18.
Not every state uses the word "provisional." Functionally equivalent terms include: - "Junior license" or "Class DJ" (New York) - "Intermediate license" (Texas, California) - "Probationary license" (Pennsylvania) - "Conditional license" (some plus-18 first-license programs)
What's restricted under a provisional license?
Restrictions vary by state, but four show up almost everywhere:
1. Night driving curfew. No driving between specified hours (typically 11pm–5am or 12am–6am) without a parent, guardian, or for school/work necessity. Curfews often start earlier in the first 6 months.
2. Passenger limits. No non-family passengers under a specified age (often 20 or 21) for the first 6–12 months, then up to one. Some states forbid any non-family teen passenger for the entire provisional period.
3. Zero-tolerance BAC. Blood alcohol concentration over .00–.02 (depending on state) is grounds for license suspension. This is much stricter than the .08 adult limit.
4. No phone use. Hands-free and handheld are both banned for provisional holders in nearly every state — even where adults can use hands-free legally.
Violating any of these restrictions can trigger a provisional license suspension or extension, and can delay the date the unrestricted license is issued.
How long does a provisional license last?
The provisional period varies:
- 6 months — Florida, Pennsylvania, Arizona
- 12 months — California, Texas, Illinois, Georgia
- Until 18 — most states automatically convert to full license at age 18
- 24 months — New Jersey (the strictest state)
If you turn 18 before the provisional period ends, most states issue you the full license automatically; a few (New Jersey, Connecticut) require you to complete the provisional period regardless of age.
What happens if I violate a provisional restriction?
States enforce provisional restrictions seriously. Common consequences:
- First curfew or passenger violation: Warning or 30-day suspension (varies by state). Provisional period extended by the suspension length.
- Second violation: 60–90 day suspension. May require completion of a driver improvement course.
- Third violation or any DUI: License revoked. Reinstatement may require waiting until age 18 plus a clean driving record.
The provisional clock resets after each violation in most states, meaning a violation late in the period can push your full-license date back by months.
How is a provisional license different from a permit?
The two are often confused. The critical differences:
- Solo driving. Permit: never. Provisional: yes, with restrictions.
- Road test. Permit: not required (only written). Provisional: required (provisional is issued *after* passing the road test).
- Passengers. Permit: must have a licensed adult in front seat. Provisional: can drive alone but limited on whom you may carry.
- Holding requirement. Permit: must be held first. Provisional: comes after the permit.