CHP Antelope Valley offers free Start Smart program

Lancaster, CA. - The Antelope Valley California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Lancaster is offering the next session of Start Smart on Monday, February 23, 2026 I 6:00 PM 2041 West Avenue I, Lancaster. Spots are limited and this class will fill up fast! Parents, please call (661) 743-6060 to reserve a seat!

Start Smart: Driving Smart to Stay Safe

History

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of American teenagers. Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) statistics indicate a significant traffic safety concern with teen drivers. In 2002, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) developed a program specifically designed to address newly licensed teen drivers. The Start Smart program was developed as a statewide educational program for interested parents and teens. Public demand for Start Smart presentations exceeded CHP’s expectations and the ability to conduct presentations for all requesters. The continuation of the Start Smart program allows delivery of current, relevant, and practical training in traffic safety laws and safe driving behaviors, which is vital to reducing both fatal and injury crashes involving teen drivers in California.

About

The Start Smart program specifically focuses on providing newly licensed teen drivers 15-19 years of age, and their parents, with enhanced two-hour long driver education classes emphasizing the dangers typically encountered by their age group. Start Smart class facilitators provide education regarding the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a California licensed driver, the licensing process, primary crash factors involving teens, safe and defensive driving practices, California driving laws, dangers of driving while the influence, distracted driving, the importance of wearing a seatbelt, and parental responsibilities. Most importantly, officers share experiences with crashes involving teen drivers which make these presentations that much more impactful. These classes are hosted at local CHP offices throughout the state and out in the community.

Through this program, officers also participate in community events to spread traffic safety information to teen drivers and their guardians.

Also available through this program is the Start Smart mobile application. Features on the application include a license checklist, Start Smart program information, features for logging and viewing trips, and a copy of the most current California Driver Handbook.

California’s Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program consists of the following elements:

Teens must be at least 15 ½ to obtain a permit

Teens must complete 50 hours of driving – 10 of which must be at night – over the next six months before obtaining an intermediate, or restricted, license at age 16

Teens must complete 25 hours of classroom instruction (not including breaks or time for meals, home study or Internet training program (must be equivalent to classroom instruction requirements).

Teens must complete 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training

During the first 12 months, a minor cannot:

Drive unsupervised between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Transport any passengers under the age of 20, unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, driver aged 25 or older, or certified driving instructor.

A basic, or full license can be obtained, and restrictions lifted at age 17. However, any driver under the age of 18 cannot use a cellphone or other wireless electronic device while driving, including a hands-free device, unless it is used for an emergency or on private property.

For more information regarding provisional licensing requirements and exemptions, refer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.