Driving Restrictions for Learner Permits

By: Staff Writer June 10, 2012
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Now that you have your driving permit, enjoying a newfound cool-factor normally only reserved for high school seniors sporting barbed wire tattoos, don't lose it by playing dumb to your driving restrictions.

Every state imposes driver permit restrictions. Not because it can, but because it needs to protect you. Statistics prove that teen drivers have the highest accident rates out of all driver groups. Consequently, until you gain more confidence behind the wheel and prove you're a safe and responsible driver, you need to strictly adhere to your state's learners permit restrictions.

Common Learners Permit Restrictions

The restrictions you'll have to stick to depend on your state, but in most cases you can except some or all of the following driver permit restrictions:

  • Be accompanied in the front seat by another licensed driver. All states require this; the difference lies in the age. Some states require the driver to be at least 19; others bump it up to 21. Note that some states require the driver to have a certain number of years of experience, too.
  • Possible nighttime driving requirements. Driver permit holders in New York, for example, require a licensed parent or guardian to accompany them in the front seat between 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., which contrasts from daytime driving when the accompanying driver can be anyone 21 or older with a valid drivers license.
  • No texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. Check out our state's specific's safety laws.
  • You must wear a seatbelt.
  • You must carry your learners permit when driving.

Violating a Driving Permit Restriction

If caught violating a restriction, you could face:

  • The suspension of your instruction permit. Reinstatement might then entail starting over, requiring you to reapply for a new learners permit and take at least one practice permit test in preparation for the official permit test.
  • Ticket fines and penalties.
  • Possible points added to your driving record, if applicable to your state.
  • An extension to the length of time you must hold your driver permit before applying for a drivers license.

What about you? Have you been caught violating any of your state's learner's permit driving restrictions? What happened?

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