Getting Your First License

Turning 16 is a big deal for a teenager. You are just that much closer to being an official adult―like that is the last thing you are thinking about. There is more of a sense of respect growing around you, and with this respect comes the bestowal of certain levels of responsibility.

This is where driving always came into play. For generations the age has marked a major rite of passage: getting your first driver license. But despite all the newfound glories of being older and wiser, being 16 is still, well, young.

Rookie Driver Program

So what are these new laws? In Maryland it is known as the Rookie Driver Program.

The program has a number of objectives, from getting your parents involved in your driving education to promoting seat belt use. But the primary goal is to build better drivers. This is done using time and goals that are surpassed gradually. No longer is driving a means to instant gratification.

Like taking up a new language or an instrument, it is a learned process that involves an immense amount of practice and extraordinary levels of patience. Not something you would expect out of a 16-year-old member of Generation I-Pod, living in the one-click-and-it's-mine world.

But you just need to strap in and give it a go, because the law is in place to ensure you get the experience you need to take to the roads. So to get your license you will need to master two very importance instructional stages.

First you'll have to get your learner's permit, then once you complete a driver education course, you'll be eligible for your provisional license, which comes with some―but not complete―freedom.

Check out the detailed steps and processes at Driver Education on this site.

Informative Links

There's a lot of great information for young drivers out there. Maryland, along with many national campaigns and organizations, is dedicated to your safe (and fun, believe it or not!) driving experience.

• Parents of Young Drivers

• Guidelines for Parents of Rookie Drivers

• Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

• FAQs on Teen Driving Laws

• Driving, Drinking, and Drugs: What Every Teen Needs to Know

Also check out Practice Tests, Driver Education, and Drivers Training on this site.

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