Helpful Driving Information

GETTING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE

To earn a drivers license in your state, you will need to complete an application form with the required licensing fee and visit your DMV, BMV, RMV, or MVA office. You may be refused a license if you do not meet certain requirements (e.g., if you are not old enough to drive). You will have to provide a proof of your full legal name, age, and Social Security number with the application form. Also, you will have to pass vision, written, and driving tests given by your agency. Your parent or guardian has to co-sign the application if you are under 18.

GETTING YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE

There is a special license called a Learners Permit (also known as an Instruction Permit in some states) which allows you practice driving with another adult driver before you are ready for your driving test. You get the learners permit after passing a written test. With a learners permit, you are not permitted to drive alone even when you are driving to the Department of Motor Vehicles to take the driving test.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM

New drivers, especially drivers younger than 18, have higher collision rates. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) , 16-year-old drivers have collision rates that are about three times greater than 17-year-old drivers, five times greater than 18-year-old drivers.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM

The factors contributing to these higher collision rates include lack of driving experience and inadequate driving skills; risk-taking behavior; poor driving judgment and decision-making; drinking and driving; and distractions from teenage passengers.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM

To address these problems, the NHTSA and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators developed a licensing system that would prolong the learning process for young novice drivers and give them more time to learn the complex skills required to operate a vehicle.
The program consists of three stages identified by the type of license: learners permit, intermediate (provisional) license, and full drivers license. The three stages of the GDL system include specific components and restrictions to introduce driving privileges gradually to beginning drivers. Novice drivers are required to demonstrate responsible driving behavior during each stage of licensing before advancing to the next level.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM
Stage 1: Learners Permit

This stage begins when the minor receives his or her learners permit after passing an eye exam and written test and lasts at least six months. An adult with a drivers license (who is at least 21 years old) is required to be in the vehicle at all times. During this stage, parents must certify that at least 30-50 hours of supervised driving have been completed.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM

Examples of restrictions: unauthorized passengers; night-time driving; absolutely no alcohol while driving; all occupants must wear seat belts; use of portable electronic communication and entertainment devices is prohibited.
The driver must remain collision and conviction free for at least six months to advance to the next level.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM
Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

This stage begins after the driver passes the behind-the-wheel driving test and lasts until the driver is at least 18 years old. It requires completion of a drivers education and training and imposes restrictions on driving (no night time driving, a limited number of teenage passengers in a car for a certain period of time, Zero Tolerance law, seat belt use by all car occupants, no use of portable electronic communication and entertainment devices, etc.). The driver must remain collision and conviction free for at least 12 consecutive months to advance to the next stage.

GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSING SYSTEM
Stage 3: Full License

This drivers license is available after the driver successfully completes the first two stages. The driver is awarded full driving privileges.

YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE

In most of the states, a drivers license is valid for 4-5 years and expires on your birthday. The expiration date is printed on the face of every license. You must renew your license before it expires.

YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE

Your drivers license may come with certain restrictions. In such a case, your drivers license will be called a "Restricted License." Some examples of license restrictions are:

• The driver needs to wear glasses or contact lenses.
• The driver must pass a yearly vision examination.
• The vehicle may be equipped with certain disabled driving adaptations.
• The license is for daylight driving only.
• The driver must pass a yearly driving test.
  

NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGE

You are required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicle of an address or name change on your drivers license or identification card. You can do so by notifying the Department of Motor Vehicle office in person or by mail. For the name change on your drivers license or identification card, you will be asked to complete an application and provide acceptable legal documentation reflecting your name change.