Driver's licenses: provisional licenses.

Existing law, the Brady-Jared Teen Driver Safety Act of 1997, provides for the issuance of a driver's license to an applicant who is at least 16 years of age but under 18 years of age pursuant to the provisional licensing program. Existing law requires a person to hold an instruction permit for not less than 6 months prior to applying for a provisional license, and requires the instruction permitholder to be accompanied by, and under the immediate supervision of, a California licensed driver 25 years of age or older whose driving privilege is not on probation. Existing law makes a violation of these requirements punishable as an infraction. This bill would require the licensed driver who accompanies the permitholder in the vehicle to occupy the front passenger seat, would prohibit the accompanying licensed driver from being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or a combination thereof, and would make a violation of the prohibition punishable as an infraction. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.