Learning to drive is a rite of passage for teenagers that confers a new level of freedom. Operating a motor vehicle is also a huge responsibility, with serious consequences for making mistakes.
Each year, more than 2,000 young drivers aged 15 to 20 lose their lives in car crashes nationwide, with more suffering outcomes like whiplash or traumatic brain injury. While teens make up just 5% of licensed drivers, this group accounts for 12% of drivers involved in car accidents and over 8% of drivers in fatal accidents.
Many states, including Texas, have phased licensing programs designed to support new drivers as they learn the rules of the road and gain experience. Although residents of Texas must be 18 or older to obtain a full license, teens can get behind the wheel sooner to start learning. What are the licensing phases, and how do they keep Texas roadways safe?
The Two Phases of Licensing in Texas
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, young drivers under the age of 18 must complete two phases of licensing before obtaining a full license.
Phase one is getting a learner license available to teens aged 15 and older. The second phase involves a provisional driver's license, which cannot be obtained until at least age 16. Here’s what you should know about the requirements for each phase.
Phase One: Learner License
At the age of 14, teens may begin the classroom portion of driver’s education, which could come from a:
- Certified driver training school (classroom or online)
- Parent-taught driver education (PTDE)
- Public school course
Once students complete either the first six hours of concurrent method classroom instruction or 32 hours of block method instruction, they may apply for a learner license, provided they are 15 or older. This license must be held for a minimum of six months before applying for a provisional driver's license unless the driver turns 18 first.
Phase Two: Provisional Driver License
At age 16, teens become eligible to apply for a provisional driver's license. Before this license is granted, drivers must observe an instructor in a car for seven hours and complete seven hours of driving under instructor supervision. An additional 30 hours of practice driving with a licensed passenger aged 21 or over is required, including 10 hours of night driving.
Drivers must also complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program within 90 days before taking a skills test, and they must pass the driving test. A provisional driver's license expires at age 18.
Restrictions For New Drivers
In Texas, new drivers may face various restrictions intended to keep them and others on roadways safe. According to NHTSA data, teen car crashes are most prevalent at night.
Teens with a learner or provisional license may not drive between the hours of midnight and five a.m. Exceptions include driving to work, attending school-related activities, and emergencies. Teen drivers may not have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle, aside from family members.
Distracted driving plays a role in about 7% of teen crashes, according to the NHTSA. In Texas, drivers with learner or provisional licenses may not use wireless communication devices (even hands-free) unless there is an emergency.
Why Are There So Many Requirements and Restrictions For Teen Drivers?
New drivers lack essential knowledge and skills that help to prevent mistakes and accidents that could lead to catastrophic injury or even death. With a phased licensing program, Texas aims to provide teens with opportunities to learn and develop their skills free of the most common and detrimental distractions until they’re ready to operate vehicles safely and responsibly on their own.
Contact Our Personal Injury And Car Accident Law Firm In Dallas, TX
If you’ve been injured in Dallas, and need help, contact our Dallas personal Injury and car accident lawyers at Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC to schedule a free consultation.
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