What Happens If I Get Pulled Over With a Learner’s Permit?
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 without a license. You can expect to pay a fine or have to wait longer to get your license.
We hope you never get in a situation like this, but in case you are 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?
A learner’s permit is the first step in the journey to becoming a licensed driver. It’s a special permit that allows new drivers to practice driving under certain conditions before they qualify for a full driver’s license.
To obtain a learner’s permit, individuals must pass a written test covering driving laws and safety rules.
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.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a Licensed Driver?
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 regarding 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.
