What Happens If I Get Pulled Over With a Learner’s Permit?

Michael Collado

Michael Collado is a car buying expert and has been a professional automotive writer since 2009.  He’s written about dealership sales, vehicle reviews and comparisons, and service and maintenance for over 100 national automotive dealerships.  Previously, Collado was a copywriter at the ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day where he worked on brand campaigns for Nissan, ABC Television, Sony PlayStation, and Energizer. His recognition in the ad industry includes awards from Communication Arts and The Clios.

Collado has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Marketing.

A learner's permit is a big step to gaining freedom on the road. However, unlike a driver’s license, some restrictions come with driving with a learner’s permit.

Therefore, there are some different consequences if you happen to get pulled over with a learner’s permit.

We hope you never get in a situation like this, but in case you were curious, here's what you can expect.

Pulled Over With a Learner's Permit Video

What Are the Rules of Driving With a Learner’s Permit?

The rules of driving with a learner’s permit can vary from state to state. However, some common rules come with driving with a learner’s permit.

• You will need someone with a driver’s license who is with you in the front passenger’s seat of the vehicle while you are driving.
• You typically will have to drive during daylight hours during the first three months of having a learner’s permit.
• After three months with a learner’s permit, you will be able to drive at night. However, hours may still be restricted. For instance, some states will not allow someone to drive with a learner’s permit after 10 PM or before 6 AM.

Driving Alone With a Permit, What Are the Consequences?

If you are pulled over while driving alone, then you can be cited for misuse of a learner’s permit and you will have the permit suspended.

This suspension is temporary and you will be able to get the permit back after completing a course and paying a fine.

Learner's Permit Restrictions If Pulled Over

To get a learner’s permit, you have to be at least 16 years of age. Before you can get a driver’s license, you will have to hold the learner’s permit for one year.

If you are pulled over with a learner’s permit, then you may have to deal with additional restrictions.

Waiting Longer for Your Driver’s License

After being pulled over with a learner’s permit, your permit will be suspended and you will have to take a course and pay a fine before you can get your learner’s permit back. This will delay the time it will take for you to get your driver’s license.

Points

Depending on the state that you live in, you may get points on your record depending on the reason why you were pulled over. For instance, you may not get any points if you were pulled over for a rolling stop. However, you may get points if you are pulled over for running a red light.

Zero Tolerance

Some states may have a zero-tolerance rule when it comes to driving under the influence with a learner’s permit. For instance, some states will take away your permit for six months if you are pulled over and have a blood alcohol level above .02. Drivers who have blood alcohol over .05 will have to take a substance abuse course.

What About Getting Caught While Intoxicated?

If you get pulled over when you are intoxicated, you will have your learner’s permit taken away for an extended period. The time will differ by the state that you live in. Typically, you will lose your learner’s permit for about six months.

If your blood alcohol level is above a certain amount, then you will have to complete a substance abuse course before getting your learner’s permit back.

What About Getting Caught While Using a Cell Phone?

If you get caught with a cell phone while driving, then you can be cited for distracted driving.

Depending on the state that you live in, you can lose your learner’s permit for anywhere from 30 days to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive by myself with a learner’s permit?

When you have a learner’s permit, you will need to have someone with a valid driver’s license sitting in the front passenger’s seat. If you are caught driving alone, then you can have your learner’s permit taken away from you for some time.

What happens if you get caught while driving with a learner’s permit?

If you get caught while a driver with a learner’s permit, you can have your learner’s permit taken away for some time. This will extend the time that you will have to wait before getting your driver’s license.

Will I get arrested for driving without a license?

In some states, you can get arrested for driving without a license or a learner’s permit. Therefore, it is a good idea to know what the rules are in your state. In addition to getting arrested, you can have your license or learner’s permit taken away from you and you may have to pay a fine.

Can I still get my license if I got caught driving alone with a learner’s permit?

You can still get your license if you are pulled over while driving alone with a learner’s permit. However, you will likely have to wait longer than the one-year standard period. Your learner’s permit may be taken away from you for a period of anywhere from one month to three months. Be sure to check the rules in your state.

How old can you be to get a learner’s permit?

The age at which you can get a learner’s permit will vary by state. However, in most states, you can be at least 15 years of age. Typically, the age range for a leaner’s permit is anywhere from 15 to 17 years of age.