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California driving lesson · Special Zones, Laws & Enforcement

Suspension, revocation, minors & hearings

A 3-minute lesson from the California course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Special Zones, Laws & Enforcement
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
60, 61, 62

Too many points, serious offenses, or a minor's early mistakes can cost you your license. You always have the right to a hearing, but you must ask for it quickly.

Know the rule

With too many points you are considered a negligent driver. DMV will place you on probation, suspend, or revoke your privilege, and notify you in writing of your rights, including a hearing.

Handbook p. 60 ↗

Know the rule

DMV will revoke your driving privilege if you are convicted of a hit-and-run or reckless driving that resulted in injury. Courts can also suspend driving privileges.

Handbook p. 60 ↗

Know the rule

After a suspension or revocation ends, you may apply for a replacement license and must show proof of financial responsibility (such as SR 22/SR 1P).

Handbook p. 60 ↗

Minors: actions in the first 12 months of licensing

Minors: actions in the first 12 months of licensing
RecordResult
1 at-fault collision or convictionDMV may act against your license
2 (collisions, convictions, or both)30 days: drive only with licensed adult 25+
3 (any combination)6-month suspension, then 1 year probation
More while on probationSuspended again
Alcohol/drug conviction, age 15–201-year suspension or delayed eligibility
Handbook p. 61 ↗

Know the rule

You cannot drive if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked. Turning 18 does not erase existing restrictions, suspensions, or probation.

Handbook p. 61 ↗
10 / 14 days

Request a DMV hearing within 10 days of being served or 14 days from mailing of notice

Handbook p. 61 ↗

Know the rule

If you don't request a hearing in time, you lose your right to one. Any court action is independent of DMV's action.

Handbook p. 61 ↗

At a DMV hearing you have the right to:

  • Present relevant evidence and witnesses
  • Testify, or be represented by an attorney or other representative at your expense (not required)
  • Review the evidence and cross-examine witnesses
Handbook p. 62 ↗

Know the rule

DMV bases its case only on written documents. To question someone who prepared or is named in a document, you must get a subpoena.

Handbook p. 62 ↗

Know the rule

If you know someone who no longer drives safely, you may submit a Request for Driver Reexamination (DS 699) to DMV.

Handbook p. 62 ↗

Know the rule

Most driver record information is public, except physical or mental conditions, address, and social security number.

Handbook p. 62 ↗

Put it into practice

A 16-year-old gets two at-fault collisions in their first year of driving. For 30 days they may drive only if a licensed adult at least 25 years old rides with them.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What is a driver with too many points on their record considered by DMV?
  1. A negligent driver
  2. A first-time offender
  3. A provisional driver
  4. An excluded driver

Answer: A negligent driver

A driver with excessive points is considered a negligent driver, subject to probation, suspension, or revocation.

Handbook p. 60 ↗
A minor has two at-fault collisions within the first 12 months of licensing. What restriction applies?
  1. Their license is suspended for six months
  2. No restriction until a third incident
  3. No driving for 30 days unless an adult 25+ rides along
  4. Their license is revoked for one year

Answer: No driving for 30 days unless an adult 25+ rides along

Two at-fault collisions or violations in the first year mean a minor cannot drive for 30 days unless accompanied by a qualifying adult.

Handbook p. 61 ↗
A minor has three at-fault collisions or violations in their first year. What happens?
  1. A 30-day suspension
  2. A 6-month suspension and 1 year of probation
  3. Revocation until age 18
  4. A 1-year suspension and 2 years of probation

Answer: A 6-month suspension and 1 year of probation

Three at-fault collisions or violations lead to a six-month suspension and one year of probation for a minor.

Handbook p. 61 ↗
A 17-year-old is convicted of using alcohol. What will the court order DMV to do?
  1. Suspend the privilege for 1 year or delay eligibility
  2. Nothing until they turn 18
  3. Extend provisional limits by 30 days
  4. Suspend the privilege for 30 days

Answer: Suspend the privilege for 1 year or delay eligibility

A conviction for alcohol or controlled substance use by a 15-20 year old can bring a one-year suspension or delayed eligibility.

Handbook p. 61 ↗
If a proposed action notice is personally served to you, how many days do you have to request an administrative hearing?
  1. 5 days
  2. 10 days
  3. 30 days
  4. 14 days

Answer: 10 days

You must request a hearing within 10 days of being personally served (or 14 days from the mailing date if mailed).

Handbook p. 61 ↗
DMV will revoke your driving privilege if you are convicted of what?
  1. Two speeding tickets in one year
  2. Failing to appear in court
  3. Hit-and-run or reckless driving causing injury
  4. Driving with an expired license

Answer: Hit-and-run or reckless driving causing injury

DMV will revoke your license if you're convicted of a hit-and-run or reckless driving causing injury.

Handbook p. 60 ↗
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