California Car / Permit practice question · Traffic Laws
A driver who is under 18 years old may use a cell phone while driving:
Answer choices
- Not at all, except to call for help in a true emergency— Correct answer
- Freely, as long as it is hands-free
- Only to send short text messages
- Only when driving on local streets
Why this is the answer
A minor may not use a cell phone or wireless device while driving to take calls or to send and answer texts. The one exception is calling for emergency assistance. Hands-free does not change that for minors, and driving on local streets or sending only short texts is not allowed either.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Cell Phone Laws / Provisional Licenses
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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