With the new school year getting underway, there are several items that you, as a parent of a young driver, can put on your back-to-school checklist as reminders to improve safety and legal compliance.
The first thing to verify is that the vehicle your young driver will be operating is current with its registration and inspection. The State of Texas has several services integrated into its website, Texas.gov/Driver, to help parents with registration and maintenance. We encourage you to check it out.
Renewals
You or your young driver can renew your driver’s license and your vehicle registration online. You’re also able to update the address on file if you have moved. Keep in mind that state law gives you just 30 days to correct your address.
Graduated Drivers License Restrictions
Remember that Texas has graduated drivers license rules. If you have a driver under the age of 18 that is still in phase 1 or 2 of the graduated drivers license program, click here for some fast facts. Just some quick reminders here:
- Once a driver has reached their 16th birthday, completed a driver education course, and held a driving permit for at least 6 months, they are eligible for phase
- Phase 2 of the program has the following restrictions for 6 months:
- The driver may not have more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member
- The driver may not operate a vehicle after midnight and before 5 a.m. unless required for school, employment, or medical emergency.
NOTE: The previous restrictions don’t apply if the provisional license holder is accompanied by a licensed operator age 21 or older in the front seat.
Driver Safety Refresher
Parents should consider having their young driver take a Texas defensive driving course to refresh and remind them of the important safety strategies that will help them stay safe behind the wheel. Defensive driving courses are not only reserved for tickets, they can be used as a preventative measure.
