12/2/09-The House Transportation Committee narrowly voted in favor of a bill that would require teens starting at 15-and-one-half years old to take a written test before they could begin driving with an adult. The teens also would pay a $20 fee.
State law now authorizes anyone older than 15-and-one-half years to drive with an adult older than 25, without a permit. Teens can get a youth license at age 16.
According to a fiscal note on the bill, the fees are estimated to being in about $600,000 annually.
Another provision in the bill would require teens to spend more time practicing before obtaining licenses.
Teens also would be required to complete 40 hours of supervised practice driving – up from 20 hours. At least 10 hours of nighttime driving would be mandated before getting their licenses.
The state’s youngest drivers also would have to be off the road a little longer over night. New Hampshire law now calls for affected drivers to be parked from 1:00 a.m. to 5 a.m. The bill would expand the curfew from midnight to 6 a.m.
Sponsored by Rep. Evalyn Merrick, D-Lancaster, HB579 awaits further consideration in the House when the 2010 regular session convenes.
For House bill status, call 603-271-2548.