Teen Drivers

Along with most of the United States, Texas has recently switched to a graduated driver licensing program that provides full driving privileges to teen drivers gradually over a period of several years.

What's up with that? Number-crunchers nationwide showed that teen drivers accounted for only a small percentage of driver's licenses, yet showed up in a big percentage of accidents. Observing teen driving habits, hopefully from a safe distance, these same burly bureaucrats decided that phasing in full driving responsibilities would result in a number of advantages:

• Fewer accidents.

• Safer prom nights.

• And―to the dismay of auto detailers everywhere―much cleaner, neater cars (thanks to teen drivers focusing on driving instead of eating lunch, talking on the cell phone, or seeing how many friends they could drive, how far, and how fast).

Graduated Driver Licensing in a Nutshell

The graduated driver licensing program aims to achieve these great results in a few ways. First, it requires all those under 18 to start out with a learner's permit, only driving with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the car with them. Teens need to have this permit for six months and have turned at least 16 before they can move on to a provisional license.

The provisional license then lets teens drive without an adult―but not with more than one friend under 21 in the car with them. And they can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

The idea behind these restrictions is for the still-new driver to get more experience behind the wheel before they try to drive while being distracted by friends or driving late at night.

After six months, you can drive at night and with friends, but your license will still be provisional. There are also some cases where you can drive during restricted times, such as if it's necessary to get to work or take care of a medical emergency.

So Does This Program Work?

Unfortunately, until you turn 18 you need to jump through a few extra hoops to be able to drive. But you know what? This is one time that those dull government pencil-pushers were right.

Since the graduated driver licensing program caught on state by state, teen driving accidents and deaths have plummeted. Now all those wild nights, crammed cars, and spontaneous road trips are firmly where they belong―waiting for you in college.

Applying for a First-Time License

If you're over 18, the graduated driver licensing program doesn't apply to you. You can simply apply for a full driver's license.

If you're under 18, though, you've got to start with a learner's permit and then a provisional license―and you'll need to pass a driver education course. But although your first license comes with some restrictions, they are lifted as time goes by and you get more practice driving.

Here are the steps you need to take to apply for a driver's license if you're under 18:

• Be a minimum of 15 years of age.

• Present proof of your identity and Social Security number.

• Present the your driver education completion certificate. This is called the DE-964 Classroom form, and it will be provided by the driving school or instructor.

• Submit a current Verification of Attendance and Enrollment in School form (TEA form GEA-043R93). This has nothing to do with driver education; it is asserting that you are enrolled in school and are in good standing as far as grades. If you drop out, you can't get a license until you're 18. So if your plan is to leave school and make big bucks by becoming a limousine driver, it ain't gonna happen.

• Provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a car.

• Obtain the necessary parental authorization signature. FYI, parents can revoke this at any time and pull your license.

• Complete the required application forms, which are available at any Texas driver license office.

• If you're new to Texas, surrender any out-of-state learner's permit or license.

• Pay the required fee for your permit or license.

• Pass the written exam. How? We strongly recommend, for a start, reading the driver handbook.

• Pass the vision examination.

• Applications must include a photograph and thumbprints. These are taken at the driver license office. To avoid disappointment, you may want to practice your "license look" in front of a mirror at home first, and bring a tissue to wipe ink from your fingers after giving a thumbprint.

If Mom and Dad are up to it, they can teach you to drive themselves by requesting a Parent Taught Driver Education Packet or they can let someone else handle the stress by sending you to a recognized driver education provider.