Teens Can Benefit from Driver Education Information
It's something almost every adolescent will do: enroll in a drivers education course in order to acquire their learners permit and, ultimately, their unrestricted drivers licence. In order for a teenager to get their learners permit, most states have certain criteria that must be fulfilled.
What is a learner's permit and how does it work?
Learners permits are special permits given by state Departments of Motor Vehicles (commonly referred to as DMV, although other jurisdictions have alternative names) offices to adolescents who want to begin their "behind the wheel" drivers education instruction program. A learner's permit may be obtained at an early age in several states, with the average age being 15 years old. Some states, however, allow you to apply as early as 14 years old and as late as 16 years old, depending on your state of residence. The criteria vary from one state to the other. Several states, for example, have no official requirements, while the majority of states demand a first written examination on the fundamentals of motor vehicle operation. Typically, six to eight hours of classroom instruction (or an authorized home training course) is needed.
Training for drivers education
As soon as you have obtained your first learners permit, you should expect to continue your classroom studies, but you should expect to begin your "behind the wheel" instruction with an adult, generally a drivers education teacher or a parent, to accompany you. Most states demand that you have a specific number of hours of "behind the wheel" experience during this period. The fundamentals will be covered, including how to stop, keep an eye out for other vehicles, turn, recognize different types of traffic signals, and how to park in a parallel parking space, among other things! Remember, you shouldn't take anything for granted. It is possible that your first driver's education instruction will put you on a good track for a good driving record.
The journey to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Your license will be awarded once you have successfully finished an authorized driver's education course. This differs from one state to the next. Some states allow you to finish a driver's education course while still in high school, but you must wait until you are 16 years old before you can get a driver's license. Others place restrictions on a new driver, such as limiting the number of hours they may drive or requiring them to drive with an adult of a particular age. Any additional requirements will be communicated to you by your local DMV office.
Before you apply for your driver's license, there are a few things you should be aware of that will be required in order for you to get your license. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is very rigorous regarding the paperwork you must provide in order to get your license. Always check with them beforehand, and if possible, get a checklist from them. The following are examples of what you will need to bring to your local DMV office in order to get your driver's license:
Your original birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate with a state seal, whichever is more recent. Make sure you're prepared! Simply bringing a copy certificate will not be sufficient in most states. This is something you should be prepared for from the beginning of your driver's education course. If necessary, contact the state where you were born to get a certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not already have one, or to obtain your original birth certificate.
identification card, such as a Social Security card. Make sure you have your social security card with you at all times. Most major areas have a Social Security Administration office where you may easily get a replacement SSN card if you've misplaced your original. Once again, be certain that you have this early on.
Spectacles or contact lenses are recommended. When you apply for your driver's license, you will be required to undergo an eye examination. Bring your glasses or contact lenses to the DMV office if you wear them.
Proof of successful completion of a driver's education course authorized by the state. Any local classroom drivers' education course that you attend should give you a certificate at the conclusion of the session. Whether your state needs such certification, you should always check to see if they have it before hiring them. If you have completed a state-approved home study course, such as a parent-taught course provided by certain states or a third-party software training course, the course provider will present you with a certificate of completion confirming your completion.
Proof of insurance is required. Consult with the DMV in your area. Some states may need this, while others may not require it. You should have the bare minimum of insurance coverage needed by your state, which is often liability insurance coverage. Prepare to provide proof of insurance to the DMV clerk when you arrive.
Proof of high school attendance is required. In many states, if you are under the age of 18, you must be enrolled in school and provide evidence of attendance in order to get a driver's license. Your school will have the required paperwork and will be able to give it to you so that you may take it to the DMV. If you are no longer enrolled in school and have chosen to get a GED, be sure to bring your GED certificate with you to your appointment.
When applying for your driver's license, you will typically need to bring the following items with you to your local DMV office. Of course, each state has its own requirements, and you may find more detailed information on the DMV page for your state.
Software for driver education
Modern alternatives to traditional classroom drivers' education courses are becoming more and more common in jurisdictions throughout the country. Several jurisdictions have a parent-taught driver's education program in which children may study and take tests at home while also being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian "behind the wheel." Many states now permit students to enroll in a course that is delivered through CD-ROM or the internet that has been authorized.