Teaching Teen Drivers

I am over the part where I am constantly pushing my foot through the floor, although she did ask me why I was holding on to the handle above my head the other day.

I can’t believe that they can get their permits as early as 15. Maybe my memory is a bit foggy, but I don’t remember having my permit for more than a week or two when I was driving. Oh yeah, did you also know that they have to have 40 hours of driving in (10 hours at night) before they can get their license? In fact, at our school, she has to have 20 hours in before she can even drive on the road with a drivers ed teacher (maybe they are trying to keep the drivers ed teachers longer or something….)

Wow, have times changed. I also learned that they couldn’t drive with anyone not related to them for 6 months after they get their license, and that there are restrictions for night driving until they are 17. Is it just me or didn’t they used to just hand us the keys and say “Get Lost”???

My biggest tip for when you are going out on the road with your kids – meditate first and don’t drink any caffeinated products, try to keep your voice down and above all DON’T SHOW YOUR FEAR!!!

So I thought I would post a few links for all of you that have drivers on the horizon. If your little tots are too far away for that, then times will probably change (who knows what cars will look like in another 10-15 years). If you haven’t had teens yet, some of the new rules may surprise you.

An applicant is eligible to obtain a regular Class D driver license  from the division upon:

1.reaching the age of 16 years;

2.has carried a learner permit for 6 months;

3.has completed an approved driver education course, or have proof of license from another state or country;

4.passing the road  test (driving) approved by the division;

5.completing 40 hours of driving (10 hours at night),  which parent or legal guardian must sign off; and

6.pay  the nonrefundable fee for an original or provisional Class D license application

Operation of vehicle by persons under 16 and six months   — Passenger limitations.

In addition to the provisions of Title 53, Chapter 3,   Uniform Driver License Act, a person, whether resident or nonresident of this state, may not operate a motor vehicle upon any highway of this state with any passenger who is not an immediate family member of the driver until the earlier of:

- Six months from the date the person’s driver license was issued; or
- The driver reaches 18 years of age.
- Exceptions to this rule are:  

- If accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age;
- On assignment of a farmer or rancher and the driver is engaged in an agricultural operation;
- In an emergency

Operation of vehicle by persons under 17 during night   hours prohibited — Exceptions.

In addition to the provisions of Title 53, Chapter 3,   Uniform Driver License Act, a person younger than 17 years of age, whether resident or nonresident of this state, may not operate a motor vehicle upon any highway of this state between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. except for:

• When accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age who is occupying a seat next to the driver;
• Driving is in connection with the driver’s employment, including the trip to and from the driver’s residence and the driver’s employment;
• The driver drives directly to the driver’s residence from a school-sponsored activity by a school or school district, and the provided transportation commenced from and returns to the school property where the driver is enrolled;
• The driver is on assignment of a farmer or rancher and the driver is engaged in an agricultural operation; or
• In an emergency