Teenage Drivers

	How Do I Get My License	PRINTING TIP To print just a portion of this page: Click and drag to select the part you wish to print. Click on "File" in the upper left corner of your screen. In the drop-down menu that appears, click "Print." In the Print box that appears, find the Print Range area and click on "Selection." Click the "OK" button.
	Driving Quiz
	A Family Driving Agreement Between Parent(s)/Guardian And Teen Driver
	Just The Facts
	Parent Tips For Teenage Drivers
	Safe Driving Tips
	Eight Secrets To Avoid Car Accidents
	Different Plans To Help Teenage Drivers
	Graduated License Programs
	Links To Other Sites

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How Do I Get My License

1. Reach the minimum age in your state
2. Obtain documentation (birth certificate, etc.) to receive the learner's permit kit
3. Prepare for the test
4. Take and pass the learner's permit test
5. Schedule practice time with an adult driver
6. Study, train, and practice for the behind-the-wheel test
7. Successfully complete the road test
8. Apply for your driver's license

1. You are about to make a left turn. You must signal continuously during the last _________ before the turn.
   1. 25 feet
   2. 50 feet
   3. 75 feet
   4. 100 feet

2. Which of the following statements about blind spots are true?

   1. They are eliminated if you have one outside mirror on each side of the car.
   2. You can overcome them if you look over your right shoulder when you are moving to the right and you over your left shoulder when you are moving to the left.
   3. They do not exist. It is a driving legend.
   4. You can see them at night when you are driving in the rain.

3. You have been involved in a minor traffic collision with a parked vehicle and you can not find the owner. You must:
   1. Report the accident without delay to the police.
   2. Leave a note on the car
   3. Look around to see if anybody saw you. If not, you may drive away.
   4. Both A and B

4. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a residential area is:

   1. 20 MPH
   2. 25 MPH
   3. 30 MPH
   4. 35 MPH

5. If you are parking uphill and there is no curb, what should you do with your front wheels?
   1. Turn them to the left (Toward the street)
   2. Turn them to the right (Away from the street)
   3. It does not matter because there is no curb
   4. Drive the car to the other side of the street and park downhill

6. What lane should you use when you are turning left from a multi-lane one-way street onto a one-way street?

   1. Any (As long as it is safe)
   2. Lane closest to the right curb
   3. Lane closest to the left curb
   4. None of the above

7. If you are involved in a traffic accident, you are required to complete and submit a written report (SR1) to the DMV:
   1. If there is property damage in excess of $500 or if there are any injuries
   2. If the other driver does not complete one
   3. Only if the other driver is injured
   4. If the police do not complete one

8. It is OK to drive off the paved roadway to pass another car if:
   1. The shoulder is wide enough to accommodate your vehicle
   2. The car(s) ahead of you are moving too slow
   3. Under no circumstances
   4. You live in an East Coast state.

9. You are approaching a railroad crossing and there are no warning devices. You are 50 feet from the tracks and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is:

   1. 15 MPH
   2. 20 MPH
   3. 25 MPH
   4. 35 MPH

10. Your vehicle is parked parallel to the curb. The wheels must be no further than _________ to the curb.
    1. 15 inches
    2. 18 inches
    3. 20 inches
    4. 24 inches

11. What is the safest speed to use when you are merging onto the freeway?

    1. At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway
    2. Slower than the traffic on the freeway
    3. Faster than the traffic on the freeway
    4. Always 55 MPH

12. If you are driving in the fog you should:

    1. Use fog lights only
    2. Drive with your regular lights
    3. Use your high beams
    4. Use your low beams

13. You are approaching a school bus with red lights flashing. You should:

    1. Drive on if you do not see any children in the street
    2. Stop, then proceed when it is safe
    3. Stop only if you are on the same side of the street as the bus
    4. Stop as long as the red lights are flashing

14. The Basic Speed Law says:
    1. You should never drive faster than posted speed limits
    2. You should never driver faster than is safe for current conditions
    3. Fast as you want as long as you do not get caught by the police
    4. You can drive the maximum highway speed limit everywhere

15. To avoid last minute moves, you should be looking down the road to where your vehicle will be in:

    1. 5 to 10 seconds
    2. 10 to 15 seconds
    3. 15 to 20 seconds
    4. 20 to 25 seconds

California Division of Motor Vehicles. www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/exam.htm

Driving Quiz

1. One of the most common causes for rear-end collisions is:
   1. Driver suddenly stops without warning
   2. Sudden lanes changes
   3. Not paying attention
   4. Sudden right turns into a parking lot

2. Which of the following is NOT included in the definition for aggressive driving?
   1. Tailgating
   2. Passing on the left
   3. Unsafe lane changes
   4. Failing to yield

3. I can save money on my auto insurance by:

   1. Installing auto theft devices in my car
   2. Buying my homeowners insurance from the same insurer as my auto insurance
   3. Selecting higher deductibles
   4. All of the above

4. What percentage of drivers will be or have been involved in a collision during their driving career?

   1. 35%
   2. 65%
   3. 80%
   4. 99.9%

5. While the number of miles driven during the past 10 years has increased by 35%, what percentage of roads increased during the same time period?
   1. 1%
   2. 10%
   3. 20%
   4. 35%

6. When you hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, you must:

   1. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop
   2. Continue in your lane slowly and allow the vehicle to pass
   3. Speed up to clear traffic
   4. Continue driving at the speed limit

7. If a traffic light is red, but a police officer tells you to go ahead, you should:

   1. Wait for the green light
   2. Do as the police officer tells you
   3. Call 911 on your cell phone and report the officer
   4. Tell the officer that he/she is color blind

8. You can block an intersection during "rush hour" traffic when:

   1. If you have already waited through two red lights
   2. Never permitted
   3. Some of the cross traffic can get around you
   4. You are in a rush to pick up your kids or late for a meeting

9. Carpool lanes are marked with a diamond symbol. To use these lanes during special hours shown on the signs, you must:

   1. Be driving a van or bus
   2. Drive at the speed limit
   3. Be in a rush to get to work on time
   4. Have the minimum number of passengers posted on the signs

10. When stopping for any reason along a highway, other than required by traffic, you should stop:

    1. In the right hand lane
    2. Near the center divider
    3. Off the pavement
    4. With your emergency flashers turned on

A Family Driving Agreement Between Parent(s)/Guardian And Teen Driver

I, ____________, being a licensed driver, do hereby agree with my parent(s) or guardian to the following responsibilities when I drive:

1. I will drive any car as carefully and cautiously as I can, knowing that I may be legally responsible for my acts.
2. I fully recognize that a car is not a toy, but a machine that has the power to kill and injure.
3. I will not drive above the legal speed limit posted, nor will I attempt to impress others, by disobeying speed limits.
4. Because I am fully aware of the risks involved in driving after drinking, I will not allow the car to be driven by anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including myself.
5. I will always slow down and look both ways at intersections, especially in school zones and at crosswalks. I will pay attention to signals at all railroad crossings.
6. I will adhere to all curfews and restricted driving hours. I will always call home if I expect to be late.
7. I will not street race regardless of how much of a temptation it might be to do so.
8. I will not attempt to drive if I am feeling sleepy.
9. I will obey all street and highway signs, traffic lights, stop signs, and traffic laws.
10. I will always wear my seat belt, make sure all passengers are belted and keep car doors locked.
11. That I will limit the number of passengers to the number of seat belts in the car.

I am signing this family agreement of my own free will on this day, _____________

_____________________ (Teen Signature)

_____________________ (Parent/Guardian Signature)

Ohio Department of Public Safety

Just The Facts

1. 16-year-olds are ten times more likely to be in a car accident that drivers age 30-59.
2. 16-year-old drivers are three times more likely to be in accident than 19-year-old drivers.
3. Teen drivers account for 14% of all motor vehicle fatalities, yet make up only 10% of the total number of drivers.
4. 5,749 teenagers died in motor vehicle crashes in 1999.
5. 54% of the teen deaths occur on the weekend.
6. Two out of every three teenagers killed in motor vehicle crashes are male.
7. Driver error is cited 80% of the time for teen auto fatalities.
8. For teens, nighttime accidents are twice as likely to happen than accidents during the day.
9. If a teen has two or more passengers in the car, the likelihood of a fatal accident is five times higher than is the teen has no passengers.
10. 65% of teenager passenger deaths take place when another teen is in the car.
11. 80% of teenaged drivers are not wearing their seat belt when they are killed in crashes.

Parent Tips For Teenage Drivers

1. Let them drive with you. It is recommended that you observe them drive between 50 to 100 hours.
2. Do not give your teen a car until he/she has at least one year of driving experience.
3. Limit passengers and night driving for a set time period.
4. Negotiate a contract of acceptable driving behavior. (Click to see a sample agreement!)
5. Establish zero tolerance for moving violations and alcohol use.
6. Set good driving examples. (Use your seat belt and do not speed).
7. Choose a safe car for your teenage driver, if possible. Make sure that the maintenance of the car is updated.
8. Continue to drive with your teen after they get their license.
9. Make sure that your teen drives in all types of weather.
10. Provide proper emergency equipment in the car.
11. Explain what to do in the event of an accident.
12. Cover defensive driving techniques with your teen.

Safe Driving Tips

1. ALERT DRIVING - You need to concentrate on your driving. A person should be well rested, calm, and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. One of the greatest hazards of roadway driving is drowsiness from lack of sleep or fatigue.
2. DEFENSIVE DRIVING - Always be prepared to react to the other driver. If you can not avoid an accident, try to remain calm and choose the least dangerous option.
3. TWO-SECOND RULE - Use the two second rule to determine a safe following distance. Select an object on the road ahead and when the vehicle ahead passes it, start counting one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two. You should not reach the object before you count to one-thousand-two. This scenario applies if the weather conditions are good. If the weather conditions are poor, increase your stopping time.
4. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SPEEDS - Driving too fast or too slow may create a dangerous situation for you and other drivers. Weather and traffic conditions may dictate that you drive slower than the posted speed limit.
5. STOPPING - The ability to stop your car safely should be considered when deciding your speed. You should consider your brakes, vehicle design type, condition of the roadway, and the kind of tires you own.
6. TRAINS - Drive carefully across train tracks. Check for a second train after the first one has passed. Never allow your car to be parked on the track, if there is not enough room on the other side of the track. Do not race a train to the crossing.
7. WEATHER CONDITIONS - Weather can create severe driving hazards for drivers. Drive carefully in fog, heavy rain, high winds, sleet, and snowstorms.
8. EQUIPMENT FAILURE - Car crashes often happen when equipment fails. Be sure to periodically check to make sure that your car is in good working condition. Regular check-ups with a mechanic can help prevent certain equipment failure and extend the life of your car.

Eight Secrets To Avoid Car Accidents

1. Check for cars twice before pulling into an intersection at a stop sign.
2. Look behind you before backing out of a parking place. Sometimes a car directly behind yours will pull out at the exact same time.
3. Watch for cars rushing through intersections at the end of a red light. When the light turns green, check both ways for red light runners.
4. Look both left and right when making a right hand turn. Sometimes a pedestrian will start walking before you make your turn.
5. Watch for cars that are pulling trailers.
6. When switching lanes on a highway, always turn your head and check for a clear lane. There is a blind spot in your mirrors.
7. Be careful when you are close to trucks, especially when passing. If you can not see the truck's mirrors, they can not see you.
8. Watch for children and animals coming out between cars, especially in residential neighborhoods.

Different Plans To Help Teenage Drivers

There are many different ways you can monitor and control your teen's driving habits:

1. You can get a bumper sticker that tells a driver to call an 800 number to report on a teenager's driving skills.
2. Also available are bumper stickers that tell other drivers to send an email message to the teen's parents.
3. Some firms offer license plates and decals that give a number to contact about your teen driver.
4. Auto Watch Black Box - For approximately $300, you can get a black box that tracks the driving patterns and habits of your teenage driver. The parent set the parameters of what they want to monitor and the information is tracked on the box and downloaded to your computer. You can categorize the following items: Time driven, miles driven, speed, where the car was driven and various other driving factors.
5. Parent and Teen Contract - Have the teenager sign a written contract with the rules that the teen must abide by to drive a car. (See copy of example written contract).
6. New Driver Control Clinic Video and Book by race car driver, Dave Thompson. The video teaches parents how to instruct their teenage driver. $30.95 for book and video.

Graduated License Programs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed a three-stage process to introduce driving privileges gradually to novice drivers. In Stage 1, the teenagers acquire their learner's permit to practice their driving skills with an adult. In Stage 2, the drivers receive their intermediate or provisional license. This license has restrictions on the night time driving, minimum age, and possible passenger restrictions. In Stage 3, the drivers receive their unrestricted or full license.

Implementation of graduated licensing laws is viewed by legislators, insurance regulators, and the public as a positive step toward reducing accidents involving teen drivers. The insurance industry and Central Companies have been supportive of this concept and encouraged passage of this legislation. Recent studies indicate a reduction in teenage driver accidents in states where such legislation is in effect.

Please review the following states licensing laws:

State	Learner's Minimum Entry Age	Phase Mininum Duration	Middle Minimum Entry Age	Phase Minimum Duration	Full License Age
Arizona	15.7	5 months	16		16 years
Colorado	14.5	12 months	None	None	16 years with restrictions
Connecticut	16	6 months/ (4 mths w/driver training)	None	None	16 years/ 4 or 6 months
Georgia	15	12 months	16	Until age 18	18 years
Illinois	15	3 months	16	Until age 17	17 years
Indiana	15	2 months	16.1	Until age 18	18 years
Michigan	14.8	3 months	16	6 months	17 years
New Hampshire	16	3 months	16¼	Until age 18	18 years
New Jersey	16	6 months	17	6 months	17 years/ 6 months
New Mexico	15	6 months	15.6	12 months	16 years/ 6 months
New York	16	None	16	Until age 17	17 years
North Carolina	15	12 months	16	6 months	16 years/ 6 months
Ohio	15.6	6 months	16	Until age 17	17 years
Oklahoma	15.6	None	None	None	16 years
South Carolina	15	3 months	15¼	12 months	16¼ years
Tennessee	15	6 months	16	Until age 17	17 years
Texas	15	None	None	None	16 years
Virginia	15	6 months	15.6	Until age 16	16 years

Copyright from IIHS State Law Facts - Please check www.nhtsa.dot.gov for future updates.

Links To Other Sites

1. Drivehomesafe.com - Information for teenagers and parents about driving. Great site for new teen drivers.
2. www.NHTSA.dot.gov - National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. It has a good section for new drivers.
3. www.III.org - Insurance Information Institute - Up-to-date information and statistics on auto information.
4. Hwysafety.org - Highway safety information for teenage drivers.
5. Safedrive2000.com - Site dedicated to reducing the number of fatalities and injuries.
6. www.ohioinsurance.gov - It has a teenager's guide to auto insurance section.
7. Drivers.com - Provides specific states laws and requirements for new drivers.
8. Teennewsgossip.about.com - Information geared to teenage drivers. Valuable information for teens with great links to other sites.
9. www.carcontrol.com (www.Teendrivers.dom) - Comprehensive list of things that a teen driver needs to know.
10. www.ai.net/~ryanb/ - A teenager gives his perspective on driving.