Teen Drivers

R U Ready to get behind the wheel?

R U at least 14? This is the minimum age that you can obtain a driver license; however, it will be restricted. The first step in your journey to free wheeling freedom is an Instruction Permit. This permit allows you to drive under supervision. Between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. you can drive with any licensed adult and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. with a legal guardian.

To get the Instruction Permit, you and a guardian must go to your local issuing station and fill out a few forms. Your legal guardian must give written approval and you must show satisfactory performance in vision and knowledge tests.

You must hold this permit for a minimum of 180 days, unless a state approved drivers education class has been successfully completed - then it must be held for 90 days. After this time period you can apply for your Restricted Minor's Permit granted you have driven six months violation-free.

Restricted Minor's Permit: this gives you the freedom that you want with the rules that you need. Teens between the ages of 14 and 18 are allowed to hold this permit. You must have met all conditions of the instruction permit and once again have written approval from a parent or guardian.

But hold on, it's called a Restricted Permit because there are a few limitations. One: you may drive unsupervised from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with your parent or guardian's permission. Two: between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., you must have a parent or guardian in the seat next to you.

Finally your golden ticket, the Operator License. Although it may seem like the freedom that you have been waiting for since you were, well, 14, it is a huge responsibility. The Operator License is exactly what your parents or guardians have, "full driving privileges with no restrictions."

To get your ticket to ride you must have met all conditions of the instruction permit, have driven conviction-free for six months, be at least 16, and once again, if you are still a minor, have your parent/guardian's written approval.

Now I know it seems like a long process, but South Dakota, along with many other states, have taken on the Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDL). Each of the tiers give you valuable experience under the supervision of an adult. This program has been successful not only in South Dakota, but also across the nation.

Hear what they've got to say:

"Early evaluations show a definite effectiveness in a graduated licensing system. California has seen a 5 percent reduction in teen crashes and Oregon has seen a 16 percent reduction in crashes for male drivers."

"Evaluations clearly show the benefits of adopting graduated licensing laws and components. Florida?s GDL law resulted in a 9 percent reduction in crashes for drivers 16 and 17 years old. Ongoing research in Kentucky, Michigan, and North Carolina show a positive effect on the crash experience of teen drivers. Component parts adopted in the late 1970's and early 1980's also had positive effects. California reported a 5 percent reduction in crashes and a 10 percent reduction in traffic convictions for drivers 16 and 17. Oregon saw a 16 percent reduction in crashes for male drivers ages 16 and 17."

Still a little fuzzy on the basics to getting your license? Click Here for a list of questions and answers about our Graduated Licensing Program.

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