Young people within 16 -24 years old are the most susceptible to vehicular crashes. Studies showed that car crashes is the number one factor causing serious injuries or death. Based on studies made on teen car crashes, PennDOT pointed to neophyte drivers, distracted drivers, over speeding drivers and the improper and careless way of turning made by these driver plus others as main factors bringing about the accident. Penn authorities continually encourage parents and authorities to cooperate in educating young drivers on traffic laws. The department have provided numerous resources and programs to keep the road safe for motorists, especially young drivers.

PennDOT continually finds ways to improve process in the issuance teen driver´s license, at the same time, enhancing proper balance between safety and mobility. Pennsylvania adopted the Graduated Licensing Law for Driver which was effective in 1999 and was updated in 2011. Its purpose was to improve the safety of teen drivers and has proven its efficacy by the seemingly reduction in crashes and fatalities for the past years.

The provision of getting a driver’s license is a long process. Young drivers start by completing a physical examination, undergoing a screening of vision and taking a test in knowledge. When the exam is successful, the neophyte will now devote time to practice behind the wheel. Under adult supervision, basic driving skills with the integration of safe driving habits are provided.

Legal requirements involved several procedures. Six months of practical training and practice to culminate in a road test; when successful, the young driver is issued a junior license. For the junior driver to operate a vehicle, he must be accompanied by an experienced licensed driver of 21 or older. There is a requirement to achieve 65 hours of supervised driving skill building. The adult supervisor must certify that the teen driver within the 65 hours of supervision has used 10 hours for night driving and five hours for driving in inclement weather condition. Teen drivers are not allowed to operate vehicle between 11:00 o’clock in the evening to 5:00 o’clock in the morning. In case, they travel for work or volunteer projects between these hours, they must possess documentation for the purpose.

Young drivers cannot have more than one passenger, less than 18 years who is not a family member in the car. After six months of the junior license, he is now allowed to have three non-family members less than 18, in the car. The restriction does not apply if a guardian or parents are in the vehicle. Additional requirement at all times is for every one inside the vehicle to have seat belts. The learner’s permit is valid for a year but could be extended if more driving practice is needed. Teen driver’s permit will be suspended for 90 days if the driver has accumulated six or more points in his license or for over-speeding violation.

At the age of 18, a fully unrestricted driver’s license is issued which gives driving privileges without limit to teens that have passed successfully the graduated procedures and have established a sound record of safe driving. Young drivers who committed a traffic infringement are disqualified for an unrestricted license before 18 unless they will have a clean traffic record for the previous 12 months and completed a program course for safe driving. Before age 18, if teen driver can wish to apply for an unrestricted license, he has to complete a special form – the DL-59 and submit the form to PennDOT with a certificate of completion from an approved driver’s education program. An affidavit of consent from parents or guardian must also be provided.

If you have received a traffic ticket, please contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer. Protect right to drive legally.

Source: Just Drive Pa Org
(https://www.justdrivepa.org/Traffic-Safety-Information-Center/Young-Driver/)