Driving without a license in California?

What are the consequences of a minor driving without a license in the state of California?

• Hypothetically speaking, if a 16 year old, who had a permit, was caught driving without a license at night with no adult accompanying him, what would be the consequences? Is it considered an infraction or misdemeanor? What are the fines? How much does it affect insurance and when is the earliest possible date to get license?

• Answer:

  The possible penalty is loss of learner's permit. It is not a misdemeanor and probably not an infraction. You must reapply and start over. The earliest date you can get an instructional permit is age 15.5. You must a parent's permission (assumption of liability) and completed drivers' ed. The earliest date you can get a provisional license is your 16th birthday. You must have held an instructional permit for six months. During the first 12 months you have a provisional license, you cannot drive at night (11-5) nor with teens in the vehicle. The earliest date you can get a regular license is your 18th birthday.