SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-teen-passenger-restriction

Why do many graduated licensing programs limit teen passengers?

Teen passengers raise a new driver's crash risk.

  1. Teen passengers raise a new driver's crash risk ✔
  2. To save gas
  3. Parents prefer to drive them

Why: Passengers can distract new drivers. The crash risk for unsupervised teen drivers goes up with each extra teen or young adult passenger.

Huh, didn't know that: In California, new drivers under 18 cannot carry passengers under 20 for the first year unless a licensed driver 25 or older rides along.

The dad joke
Why did the new driver limit friends in the car? Too many opinions in the back seat!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Teen passengers raise a new driver's crash risk. Passengers can distract new drivers. The crash risk for unsupervised teen drivers goes up with each extra teen or young adult passenger.

  1. CDC: Risk Factors for Teen Drivers www.cdc.gov/teen-drivers/risk-factors/index.html
    This risk increases with each additional teen or young adult passenger.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/getting-an-instruction-permit-and-drivers-license
    With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) rides with you.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingWhat is the purpose of graduated licensing for new drivers?Cars & DrivingWhat is safer than weaving through traffic?Cars & DrivingIn good conditions, what minimum following gap do many state manuals recommend?

That's stuff everyone should know.