Bev, let me just say that last year the law in Texas raised the age of driving alone without a licensed adult to 18.
This is not actually accurate. I'm not the Bev
were talking to but another Bev from Texas:
The Three-Stage Graduated Driver License
Beginning January 1, 2002, anyone under age 18 applying for an instructional permit for the first time must progress through a three-stage system to obtain a driver license. (Changes in the law are italicized.)
Stage 1: Instructional Permit
To obtain a permit, a teen must:
* Be at least 15 years old.
* Obtain parental or a guardians consent.
* Have completed or be enrolled in a state-approved driver education program.
* Pass a written test and a vision test.
* Pay a statutory fee.
Once a permit is obtained, a teen must:
* Hold the instructional permit for at least six months.
* Drive with an adult 21 or older (occupying the seat next to the driver) who has been licensed for a minimum of one year.
* Not drink and drive. Any measurable alcohol could result in a two-month to two-year license revocation for drivers under age 21.
* Two violations of failure to drive with adult supervision can result in suspension of the instruction permit for 90 days to one year.
Stage 2: Provisional License
To obtain a provisional license, a teen must:
* Be at least 16 years old.
* Complete Stage 1 successfully.
* Complete a state-approved behind-the-wheel driver education program.
* Pass a behind-the-wheel driving test, overseen by an approved driver education school, or the Department of Public Safety.
* Pay a statutory fee.
Certain restrictions apply during the first six months of a provisional license (for teens under the age of 18).
* Passenger restriction: A teen may not drive with more than one passenger under age 21 unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. An exception exists for driving family members under age 21.
* Late-night hours restriction: A teen may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. (Exceptions are permitted for employment, school-related activities and medical emergency.)
A teen is subject to a license suspension of 90 days to one year if cited for two or more moving violations within 12 months.
Stage 3: Full Provisional License
* After six months, provisional licenses are no longer subject to the above restrictions.
* Teen drivers do not have to return to DPS to obtain full provisional licenses.
At age 18 drivers are eligible for a regular, six-year license.