Teenagers are notoriously bad drivers. Many people try to avoid student drivers and other young adults whom they spot in traffic. Parents often spend a significant amount of time investigating vehicles for their young drivers and looking into different driver education courses.
A lack of experience is one of the top causes of preventable teenage car crashes. State officials have enacted policies intended to reduce the likelihood of tragic incidents involving underage drivers. The graduated license system allows for restricted driving privileges while teenagers gain the experience necessary to drive safely.
What are the rules for teenage drivers?
Long gone are the days when teenagers could take a driving test on their 16th birthdays and gain full driving privileges immediately. Instead, there is now a graduated system with three levels of licensing. Teens as young as 15 can apply for a permit. They require the permission of their parents, who must accept joint liability.
The first stage of licensing is a learner’s permit. Young adults between the ages of 15 and 20 may be eligible for these permits. They must record at least 60 hours of practice drive time, including 10 hours of nighttime driving. Permit holders can only drive when supervised by an adult aged 21 or older. They cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m.
After a young driver has had their permit for at least 180 days and reached the age of 16, they can apply for an intermediate license. The driver must take a road test. They must have insurance and a driving log that shows their hours of practice.
Intermediate licenses allow young drivers to take a driver education course. They still need to avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m. They also have to limit themselves to no more than one other underage passenger who is not a relative.
After passing a course and turning 17, they can apply for a full unrestricted license. Requiring practice and courses helps prevent scenarios where inexperience leads to tragic consequences for young drivers.
Learning more about permits, licenses and safety standards can help parents protect their new teen drivers. Helping young adults avoid motor vehicle collisions and teaching them what to do if one occurs can increase their safety out on the road.