Question: I just got my permit last week and I’m so excited to drive solo! The grocery store is pretty close and I could probably make it there without getting caught. What happens if you’re caught driving with just a permit?
Answer: A driving permit is designed to allow underaged drivers to practice their driving skills under the supervision of a licensed adult. Consequences vary depending on the state you live in, but you can expect a fine, a revoked permit or even jail time. Overall, it is not worth it to drive solo with your permit, even if it is a short distance.
How much trouble can you get into for driving with a permit alone?
Let’s take a look at a few states and what would happen if you drive unsupervised with a permit.
Delaware
Delaware considers driving alone with your permit on the same level as driving without a license. You can be charged with a two month suspension for the first offense and four months for subsequent offenses. Additionally, you will be required to pay a fine from $50 to $200 for the first offense and $100 to $500 for subsequent offense. A jail term of up to six months is possible for repeat offenders.
New York
According to the New York DMV, if you are convicted of a serious traffic violation (e.g. speeding, running a red light), or two other violations, you can get a 60-day suspension of your permit. You may be required to pay a suspension termination fee to reinstate your license. Repeated offenses would lead you to a 60-day revocation period, which is more severe because you may have to pay a license reapplication fee, and your application can be denied for poor driving record or refusal to meet DMV requirements.
Any period of suspension or revocation would delay your ability to graduate from the junior permit stage, which you have to hold for six months excluding any suspension or revocation periods.
According to law firm Gaines & Musico, driving without a license in New York is a misdemeanor with penalties from $75 to $300 and a maximum 15 days in jail.
Florida
In Florida, driving unsupervised is an offense known as the misuse of a restricted license, and you’ll get a suspension. Possible penalties depend on the severity of your violation and suspensions aren’t likely to last longer than six months, during which, you can’t drive.
Driving without a license is a misdemeanor in Florida and you can be fined up to $500 with a maximum jail time of 60 days, according to Golden Traffic Ticket Law,
California
According to the Law Office of John Campanella, the penalties for driving without a license in California can be a fine, vehicle impoundment and suspension of driving privileges. A first-time offender could be fined up to $250 and police can impound your vehicle, especially if you can’t get a licensed driver to take over. Your driving privileges will also be further suspended for a period of time.
It is never legal to drive alone with a driver’s permit
Don’t live in one of these four states? You can expect that your state has similar rules for permitted drivers driving without a licensed driver. Getting pulled over or getting into an accident, can result in fines, suspensions, vehicle impounding and jail time. It is not worth the risk, especially since it will delay you getting your full license.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
Ashley Eneriz is an editor and finance writer with over 15 years of experience in a wide range of financial topics, including car loans and insurance. In editing for Jerry, Ashley aims to make all car material reader-friendly for both the new driver and car enthusiast alike. Prior to joining Jerry, Ashley was the financial deputy editor for ConsumerAffairs. Her work is featured on Forbes, Yahoo, MSN, The Hartford and more.
