Teen drivers usually help their parents by adding an extra set of wheels to the house while the kids feel more independent at the same time, but more and more teens in Kings and San Bernardino Counties aren’t getting their licenses at 16.

Wannabe drivers between 16 and 18 must complete fifty-six hours of driving instruction, and at least six of them must be with a certified instructor. Plus, they must spend an additional twenty-five hours hitting the books and learning about roadway safety. Since the new restrictions took effect, crashes involving 16 and 17-year-olds have dropped precipitously, although the DMV admits that may be largely because there are fewer such drivers on the road. There are economic factors as well, as a University of North Carolina study concluded that families have a harder time affording cars for teens, and the teens have a harder time finding jobs that provide gas and insurance money.

DMV officials still encourage younger drivers to get licenses, because they believe that the extra instruction pays off.

Drivers’ License Restrictions

Once teens obtain their licenses, they are restricted for twelve months or until the turn 18. During the provisional period, they may not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., at least in most cases, and may not transport passengers under 20. Later, the DMV requires drivers over 70 to renew their licenses in person and submit to both hearing and vision tests; furthermore, the DMV will investigate concerns from friends and loved ones that a driver over 70 may be incompetent.

Older operators, and operators of any age, face possible driving restrictions, including:

· No highway driving,

· Daytime driving only,

· Area restrictions, and

· Vision or posture aids.

The DMV might also take adverse action based on a medical report, because most doctors and hospitals must forward information about loss-of-consciousness conditions, like epilepsy, to the state. The DMV cannot do anything without notice and hearing, in most cases.

Getting Legal Help

The aggressive attorneys at Bigger & Harman, APC, are committed to giving individuals a voice when dealing with speeding and traffic tickets. Call today at 661-349-9300 or email attorney@markbigger.com to receive the personal professional attention you deserve. En español, llame al 661-349-9755.