How many passengers can a driver with a learner’s permit have in the car?

Explanation

In most states, a driver with a learner’s permit is allowed to have only one non-family member in the car, and must be supervised by a licensed adult (usually age 21 or older). These restrictions are part of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws designed to reduce distractions and improve safety for new drivers.

Correct Answer: One non-family member

Most states limit the number of non-family passengers a learner's permit holder can have to just one. This rule helps prevent distractions during the critical learning phase. Family members are usually exempt from this rule, but the supervising driver must still be present.

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

“Two friends” is incorrect because allowing multiple non-family passengers greatly increases the risk of distracted driving. Most state laws specifically restrict young or inexperienced drivers from carrying more than one non-family member during the learner’s permit stage.

“No restriction” is incorrect and dangerous. There are always restrictions for learner’s permit holders—including passenger limits, supervision requirements, and time-of-day limits. Assuming there are no restrictions could lead to legal penalties and increased crash risk.

Bottom Line

Drivers with a learner’s permit are typically limited to one non-family passenger and must always be accompanied by a qualified, licensed adult. These restrictions promote safe learning and reduce distractions.