Teen Lives Being Saved by New Licensing Programs

October 20, 2012

Over the last 15 or so years, young people anxiously awaiting the freedom that comes with turning 16 years old and receiving a driver's license have seen the process of obtaining their licenses become longer and more restrictive.

All 50 states now have graduated driver's license programs. The purpose of these licensing programs is to ensure that young drivers gain experience in the safest possible manner; often by restricting new drivers from driving late at night, ensuring an experienced driver is in the passenger seat, and limiting the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle.

And, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, those graduated licensing programs are working. The number of teen deaths has decreased since states started enacting the programs in 1996.

Florida's Graduated License

Teen drivers in Florida must go through two tiers before obtaining full licensure: Learner and intermediate licenses. At each step, Florida teens receive more privileges, but those privileges come with additional responsibilities and requirements.
- Tier one -- learner license: Drivers who are at least 15 years old can obtain a learner license after passing a written test covering road signs and rules. For the first three months that new drivers hold a learner license, they may only drive during daylight hours. After the first three months, they can drive until 10 p.m. A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be sitting in the passenger seat when a new driver with a learner license is driving.
- Tier two -- intermediate license: After reaching 16 years of age and completing 50 hours of behind the wheel driving (10 hours at night), a driver can obtain an intermediate license. To do so, he or she must pass a driving test. With this license, drivers who are 16 years old are only allowed to drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., and drivers who are 17 years old are allowed to driver between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Drivers are allowed to be behind the wheel outside of those times if they are traveling to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.

Even though teens in Florida and around the country may complain about the restrictions imposed on them by graduated license programs, these programs are having their intended effect: Preventing teen deaths in car accidents.

Graduated licensing programs have taken steps in the right direction; however, accidents and injuries still occur on Florida's roads. If you've been involved in an injury-accident, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Article provided by Steven Wingo, Attorney at Law
Visit us at www.stevenwingo.com