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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 6Ch. 1Art. 1§ 12500 Driver License Requirement

§ 12500 Driver License Requirement

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12500 Driver License Requirement

You need a valid driver’s license to drive a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle on public roads, unless a specific exemption applies.

Key Takeaways

  • •You must have a driver’s license to drive most vehicles on public roads.
  • •Some people are exempt, such as certain government employees or those with special permits.
  • •Motorized scooters must meet state emission standards when driven on streets.

Example

John wants to drive his car to work but he doesn’t have a driver’s license. He gets stopped by police and is told he can’t drive without a license.

Because the law says you can’t drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless you have a license, John would be breaking the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12500 Driver License Requirement

(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license issued under this code, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code. (b) A person may not drive a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle upon a highway, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license or endorsement issued under this code for that class, except those persons who are expressly exempted under this code, or those persons specifically authorized to operate motorized bicycles or motorized scooters with a valid driver’s license of any class, as specified in subdivision (h) of Section 12804.9. (c) A person may not drive a motor vehicle in or upon any offstreet parking facility, unless the person then holds a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class or certification to operate the vehicle. As used in this subdivision, “offstreet parking facility” means any offstreet facility held open for use by the public for parking vehicles and includes any publicly owned facilities for offstreet parking, and privately owned facilities for offstreet parking where no fee is charged for the privilege to park and which are held open for the common public use of retail customers. (d) A person may not drive a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that is not of a type for which the person is licensed. (e) A motorized scooter operated on public streets shall at all times be equipped with an engine that complies with the applicable State Air Resources Board emission requirements. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 630, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

driver’s licensehighwaymotor vehiclemotorcyclemotorized scooteroffstreet parking facility

Related Statutes

  • § 12501 Driver License Exemptions
  • § 12511 Driver License Possession Limit
  • § 12514 Minor Driver Permit Limits
  • § 12519 Farm Labor Vehicle Operator Requirements
  • § 15501 Minor Fraudulent Vehicle Purchase

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 12500.
View Official Source