Getting a license a tough task for teens

Acorn Staff Writer


Alarming accident rates among teenage motorists have led to tougher driving requirements in California.


According to the state of California’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) California Driver Handbook 2000, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.


Teens as a group have more accidents than most other drivers, averaging twice as many accidents as adults, according to the handbook.


Teenagers can get a provisional permit if they’re between 15 and 18 years old, but they must meet a list of requirements.


Young drivers must fill out DMV forms, pay fees, get parental or guardian signatures, present a birth certificate and Social Security card, and pass an eye exam. They must also pass tests on traffic laws and road signs. A picture and thumb print must also be taken.


Additionally, teenagers must be enrolled or have completed driver education and driver training, either through a public school or private company.


Applicable DMV forms are given to teens when they complete the training.


Still, the provisional permit isn’t valid until they begin behind-the-wheel training and, according to Safety First Driving School in Westlake Village, complete one hour of training with an instructor.


From that point, teens may use their provisional permit with certain limitations.


The provisional permit allows a driver to practice their driving with a parent, guardian or adult who’s at least 25 years old and who possesses a valid California driver’s license.


It doesn’t allow a teen to drive alone at any time.


When teenagers turn 16 and have possessed a provisional permit for at least six months, they can apply for a provisional license.


They must provide proof that they completed the required training and a parent or guardian’s certification that driving practice (outlined in the Parent-Teen Training Aide) was successfully completed.


Parents or guardians must also certify that their teenager has completed 50 hours of supervised practice driving, 10 of them at night.


Finally–then and only then– comes the road test.


Teenagers will be asked to identify basic functions of their vehicle and proceed to the road with a DMV driver’s license examiner.


If they fail the test initially, it can be retaken in two weeks.


With successful completion, licensed teens may finally drive alone.


But for the first six months, they can’t transport anyone under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a licensed driver 25 years or older. An older driver must also be along if they drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.


During the second six months, the young motorist may drive alone and with passengers under age 20 between the hours of 5 a.m. and midnight, but must still be accompanied by the older driver if driving from midnight to 5 a.m.


As with most rules, exceptions exist.


According to the DMV handbook, exceptions are granted when reasonable transportation is unavailable and it’s necessary for a minor to drive.


Exceptions require possession of a note explaining a medical necessity, school or school-authorized activity, employment or an immediate family need.


Being an emancipated minor is an exception that doesn’t require documentation.


For further information and instruction for driving in California, the DMV handbook is available at all DMV facilities.





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