Teen Driving

The Texas Legislature has taken the safety of young drivers seriously, implementing a comprehensive package of teen driving laws and educational resources to promote safety and reduce the number of teen-related car crashes. The Graduated Driver Licensing Program, passed in 1999, requires teens to take a Driver Education Course that includes classroom instruction and practical driving experience, as well as pass a driving test before obtaining a learner’s permit. Additionally, teens must receive at least 15 hours of supervised driving instruction, with at least five hours of it in the dark hours, before obtaining a driver license.

The Texas Department of Public Safety also offers the Teen Driver Challenge, an online educational resource for high school-aged teens. This resource provides an introduction to traffic safety, driver ethics, and the responsibilities of an experienced driver, as well as practice tests, videos, and other educational materials to help teens better understand the rules of the road and the consequences of failing to follow them.

Furthermore, Texas has implemented various laws focusing on specific issues related to teen driving, such as cell phone use and nighttime driving. Teens are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving, have any passengers in the car other than family members, and are limited in the amount of nighttime driving they can do until they reach the age of 18. These laws are in place to ensure that teens are well-informed and experienced drivers before they gain full-time access to the roads, helping to create a safer driving environment for all.

Finally, certain automobile insurance companies in Texas also offer special programs for teens. These programs provide discounts for drivers who choose to take extra training courses or demonstrate their commitment to safe driving by upholding the various laws. As such, these programs may help young drivers save money as well as promote awareness of the dangers associated with teen driving.

Overall, Texas teen driving laws offer numerous opportunities for teens to learn the rules of driving and prepare to become safe drivers. Not only do these laws encourage teens to take Driver Education Courses and test their knowledge, but they also provide valuable educational resources and financial incentives. With the right amount of preparation and safety awareness, Texas teens can confidently hit the roads and enjoy the privileges of driving.