In the United States, there is a type of driver’s permit which is issued to individuals who are still in the process of learning how to drive. This is classified as a restricted or provisional license because it will not allow you to do the same things as those who have already met the requirements for holding a normal driver’s license. After you have met the requirements for holding the permit, you will be issued your own driver’s license. There are restrictions though, in case the license was issued before you reach the age of 18. Here is what you need to know:
Passenger restrictions
For the first six months of attaining your driver’s license and you are under 18, you have to remember that you may only drive with a licensed driving instructor or a parent or guardian who has a driver’s license. You can also drive with a person who is over 20 years old, provided he has been holding his license for 4 years without any driving violation committed within the last 4 years. For the next 6 months, you can drive with just immediate family members around.
Curfew restrictions
There are curfew restrictions imposed as well up until you reach your 18th birthday. Basically, you will not be allowed to drive between 11PM and 5AM. Exemptions to this restriction apply if you are driving for school and for employment purposes. The same exemptions apply when you are driving the vehicle for emergency cases and when you attend religious activities.
Restrictions when using seatbelts
You may be aware of the fact that many of the road mishaps take place due to the negligence in wearing seatbelts. It is sad to note that millions do not buckle up for safety. When you have your license and you are still under 18 years of age, you must instruct all your passengers to wear the installed seatbelts in the vehicle. Of course, you as the driver must wear your seatbelts too. If not, this is considered a violation of your license.
Restrictions on the use of cellular phones
Texting is one of the causes of distracted driving in the United States. Statistics says that 1.6 million of the total car crashes every year are connected to the use of cellphones. It also says that 78% of all distracted drivers have the use of cellphones to blame for their distraction. These numbers alone can be very fatal not just to the driver but for all other people you meet down the road in the course of using your mobile phones or any other gadgets for that matter.
This is why you have to care about these restrictions when using your cellular phones while driving, and you are under 18. You should never use your phones when driving even if it comes with a hands-free device. You may not use any mobile device as well including hand-held computers with video display.
Following the rules
Some of you may question the many restrictions in place when you are under 18 years old. Come to think of it, you will not be issued a driver’s license unless you have satisfied all the necessary requirements. But this is one way to exercise caution and make you become a more responsible driver in the future. That way, you can avoid mishaps that can cost your own and other people’s lives.
Driving, after all, is a responsibility. Right, it can take you to destinations of your choice in the most convenient way but it does not mean you can should abuse this responsibility. Remember, everyone went through the same provisions too when they were just starting out on their driving journey. Make sure that when you are taking driving lessons in Malden, check with your instructor and let him or her explain the different restrictions clearly to you so that you will be on the right side of the law.