During sophomore year, instead of learning about the human body in health, health is substituted with Drivers Education. At the age of about 15 or 16 years of age, sophomores are taught the rules of the road and are then their knowledge is tested in order to earn their permit. In a student’s junior year they officially start driving. This is an exciting moment for them; getting older and finally being able to get behind the wheel and gain some sort of independence. Unfortunately, a lot of responsibilities and restrictions come along with getting behind the wheel and driving solo. Not only are students required to take the Drivers Ed class and pass the test with an 80 or above, there are a few other steps that students have to fulfill after passing the test.
For drivers that are 16 years of age and up, there are three steps to the regular license phase. Step one is the student learning permit which includes six months of supervised driving. Step two is the probationary license which isn’t provided to students before the age of 17; this license is considered restricted but not supervised driving. This means that there’s a curfew of 11 pm, no more than one other person beside the driver can be in the car, and the mandatory use of the decals on one’s license plate. The last piece is the Basic Driver’s license which is obtained at age 18 after one full year of restricted driving.
A lot of the risks and payments fall under the responsibility of the parents. It’s no question that insurance prices are high for new drivers, but there are many ways that a new driver can keep prices down, and their driving record clean.
A few ways that the new drivers can keep costs their insurance prices down are:
- Keep driving record clean, obey all rules of the road and do not obtain a ticket or get into an accident.
- Students with good grades could get discounts for their car insurance with a “good drivers discount”
- Go out and look for discounts and promotions with your parents to see which could possibly apply to you
- Look at different insurance companies and compare and contrast costs and restrictions
- Enroll in a driving course online or in a class
The thought of getting out onto the road alone and being independent sounds like a blast, but it comes with a lot of responsibility and costly needs. It’s recommended to focus and study hard in the given course requirement in school and go the extra mile to have a good driving record. Remember to stay safe on and off the roads!
