There is no greater moment in the young life of a 16-year-old than being handed that magical ticket to freedom — his or her first driver’s license.
For parents, it can be the scariest moment of their lives.
The Minnesota Legislature is considering a proposal to ease the minds of Minnesota parents. The bill would require teens to spend at least 40 hours in classroom instruction and 10 hours behind the wheel with a driving instructor before being issued a provisional license. Current law requires 30 hours in the classroom and six behind the wheel.
Local instructors see the measure as a positive benefit for teen drivers.
“Driving is a physical activity and the more time you can spend behind the wheel with supervision, the better you will be,” Litchfield driving instructor Steve Dengerud said.
While spending more time in the classroom received poor reviews from students currently attending Litchfield High School’s driving program, more time driving is something they didn’t argue with.
“I think it gives us a chance to know what we’re doing and make sure we get it right,” 15-year-old Hailey Carlson said. “Just to get a little more experience before you get behind the wheel.”
“I think more people would feel more comfortable driving more,” Erin Holle, 15, said.
Get more reaction from parents and driver's instructors, as well as what this could all mean for the pocketbook, in the April 3 Independent Review.