STATE FARM:
STEERING TEENS TO SAFETY
2
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 |
Sponsored Newspapers In Education Content
Getting your license
What are Graduated Driver Licensing laws?
Graduated Driver Licensing (or GDL) laws are designed to gradually provide new drivers
with critical behind-the-wheel experience by phasing in full privileges over time and in
lower-risk settings.
The United States doesn’t have a national GDL law that applies to the entire country.
Lawmakers decide specific provisions to adopt for their respective states. Licensing
requirements and restrictions on new and intermediate license holders vary by state.
However, all 50 states and the District of Columbia now have a three-stage GDL system.
This means there are three stages of licensure.
The first stage is a Learner’s Permit. It allows you to practice driving with a supervising
adult (parent, another trusted adult and/or professional driving instructor).
The second stage is a Probationary License (also known as a Junior, Intermediate or
Provisional License). This license allows you to drive independently after logging at least
50 hours of supervised driving practice and passing an on-the-road exam. This stage
also usually includes some limits on driving at night, passengers and cell-phone use.
The third (and final) stage is a Full License. This is obtained after you have remained
violation-free for a set period of time.
Remember that even experienced drivers need practice in new driving situations.
It’s a good idea to have a parent ride along when you are in a new situation, such
as when weather changes or you’re driving on a new kind of highway.
Understand that restrictions set by your parents and GDL laws are designed to get
you the experience you need to be a safe driver.
Following these rules, logging supervised miles on the road and staying in control
of your car and your passengers will help your driving skills improve.
Getting your license in the state of Washington
Before getting a driver license in Washington state, a teen must:
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass a traffic safety education course.
• Have an instruction permit for at least six months.
• Get at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours
at night) with someone who has been licensed for five years or more.
• Not have any traffic violations within six months of applying for the license.
• Not have been convicted of any alcohol or drug offense while holding an
instruction permit.
GDL laws in Washington state
If you are under 18 when you get your driver license in Washington state,
you will be issued an intermediate license and must follow these rules:
• Passengers
• For the first six months, you cannot drive with passengers under the
age of 20 unless they are members of your immediate family (such
as a spouse, child, stepchild or siblings, both by birth and marriage).
• For the next six months, you cannot carry more than three passengers
under 20 years old who are not members of your immediate family.
• Nighttime driving
For the first 12 months, you cannot drive between 1 a.m. – 5 a.m. unless you
are with a licensed driver age 25 or older. The only exception to this rule is if
you drive for agricultural purposes, meaning you transport farm products or
supplies under the direction of a farmer.
• Cell phones
You aren’t permitted to use wireless devices while driving, even with a hands-
free device. This includes talking on cell phones and sending or receiving text
messages. You may only use a wireless device to report an emergency. After
one year of following these rules and driving without a collision or traffic citation,
you can drive without limitations on the time of day or passengers you can carry.
When you turn 18, these special rules no longer apply and your intermediate
driver license automatically becomes a regular license.
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing
Welcome to “Steering Teens to Safety.”
Learning to drive is an exciting time in your life, but it is also a time of great responsibility. Luckily, State Farm has got you
covered. Follow along for an introduction and investigation of license laws, common driver distractions and on-the-roads
tools to help make you a skilled driver.
Team up with State Farm and we’ll steer you to safety!
Source:
