Generally, no, a learner driver should not drive with children as the only passengers. In nearly all U.S. states, a learner's permit requires a licensed adult—often someone over 21 or 25—to be in the front passenger seat at all times. The presence of children, especially young ones, can be a significant distraction, increasing risk during a phase when the driver needs maximum focus to build fundamental skills. The primary goal of the permit phase is supervised practice in a controlled environment.
The specific rules are set at the state level, so the exact age of the supervising adult and any restrictions on other passengers can vary. For instance, some states explicitly limit the number of non-family passengers for teen drivers to reduce distractions. While a child can technically be in the back seat if a qualified supervisor is up front, it is often not advisable. The supervisor's attention may be split between instructing the novice driver and monitoring the child, compromising the quality of supervision.
From a safety perspective, it's wiser to minimize variables. The best practice is for the learning driver to gain initial experience without any additional passengers. Once they are more confident with basic vehicle control, a short, low-stakes trip with a child passenger might be considered, but only with a fully attentive adult supervisor. Always check your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the precise regulations in your state, as violating these rules can result in a suspended permit or fines.
| State Examples | Supervising Driver Minimum Age | Passenger Restrictions for Permit Holders |
|---|
| California | 25 years old | No more than one passenger under 20 unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. |
| Texas | 21 years old | Not specified for permit phase, but supervisor must be in front seat. |
| New York | 21 years old | The supervising driver must be the only front-seat passenger. |
| Florida | 21 years old | No specific passenger restrictions listed for learner's permit. |
| Illinois | 21 years old | All passengers must wear safety belts. |
