Before you can get a driver’s license, new drivers are required to apply for and use a learner’s permit. This small piece of paper entitles a new driver to operate a vehicle with a licensed adult driver in the passenger seat. There are many advantages to this situation, but gaining experience is the most important. Using this time to prepare the best you can for a driver’s license is important.
Rules of a Learner’s Permit
New drivers must take a driver’s education course and pass a test on rules of the road. This will help prepare drivers before they ever get behind the wheel. This gives a great foundation, but the real learning takes place actually driving. Having supervised driving practice with a licensed adult helps to provide feedback and guidance in any given situation.
Most states require that a certain number of hours be driven during the daylight and nighttime hours. A record is kept and shown during the licensing process. This rule was made because it helps drivers get in a variety of experiences before they are driving alone.
Other rules that may apply to learning permits are the number of passengers in the car. Some also limit the number of peers in the car to help remove distractions and risk-taking behaviors. See your local laws for specific requirements on driving with a learner’s permit.
Practice, Practice, Practice
To help a driver feel confident, they need a lot of practice. While most new drivers prefer to stick to less busy roads and avoid heavy traffic, eventually they have to drive on the main roads. As a parent, guardian, or friend, it is important to help encourage the permit driver to learn to drive in heavy traffic. A great tactic is slowly increasing traffic levels for experience until driving on a freeway. Having a chance to learn these roads with an experienced driver is ideal for everyone on the road.
Even though most situations and laws are taught in a driver’s education classroom, they are not usually remembered until they are applied in real life. If you are the licensed driver in the car, be encouraging and remind about what should be done only when necessary. Making mistakes will happen, but this will help with the learning process. Your job is not only to teach, but also to build up their confidence.
Applying for a Driver’s License
Most states give ample amount of time to fulfill the required driving hours. Keep a record, if required, and bring it to get your license. Be sure to check the driver’s licensing division’s website for what paperwork is required. No one likes getting to their appointment and realizing they cannot get licensed because of forgetting something.
Once you have fulfilled all learning and testing requirements, enjoy getting a driver’s license. There are few things that provide as much freedom as driving. It is the threshold of adulthood and carries a lot of responsibility. With all the extra driving practice and new driver’s feeling experienced and confident, everyone is safer on the roads.