12/8/08-Republican Sens. Travis Holdman of Markle and Tom Wyss of Fort Wayne introduced a bill that would change the state’s teen driving rules.
Indiana law now allows teens to obtain a learner’s permit at age 15, as long as they are enrolled in a driver’s education course. A probationary license can be obtained at 16 years and one month.
Currently, anyone under 18 with a probationary license is prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Exceptions are made for teens driving to and from school, work or church.
Additionally, affected drivers are not allowed to have passengers in the vehicle for the first 90 days unless an adult is in the front seat.
SB16 would change the minimum licensing age to 15 years and six months if teens take driver’s education classes, 16 years without classes. The minimum age for probationary licenses would be 16 years and six months, 17 years without classes.
Teens with license permits also would be required to complete 50 hours of supervised practice driving. At least 10 hours of nighttime driving would be mandated before obtaining their licenses.
In addition, probationary drivers would have to display a placard issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in the rear window of their vehicle. They also wouldn’t be allowed passengers during the first six months. However, certain exceptions would apply.
Also, drivers wouldn’t be able to get unrestricted licenses before age 18.
The bill can be considered during the session that begins Jan. 7. For Senate bill status, call 317-232-9400.