Driver’s licenses: instruction permits and provisional licenses.
By changing the age parameters and requirements surrounding the provisional licensing program, SB 571 aims to enhance the safety of young drivers. State data shows that first-time drivers ages 18 to 20 experience significantly higher fatal crash rates compared to younger drivers who have completed a graduated licensing program. This revision aims to decrease these risks by ensuring that novice drivers receive comprehensive education and controlled driving experience before fully transitioning to independent driving.
Senate Bill 571, introduced by Senator Newman, focuses on modifying the state's provisional licensing program for drivers. The bill proposes to expand the eligibility criteria for provisional licenses to include individuals aged 16 to 20 years, allowing them to hold instructional permits for a shorter duration before obtaining their provisional licenses. Specifically, those aged 18 to 20 must hold an instruction permit for at least 60 days prior to applying, while maintaining previous restrictions for nighttime driving and the transportation of passengers under 20 during the initial months of licensure.
Importantly, the bill introduces a mandate for driving schools to accept installment payments for driving instruction as a prerequisite for their licensing renewal. This addition has raised concerns among driving school operators about the potential pressures this requirement may impose on their operations. Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that local agencies are not entitled to reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of the implementation of this bill, which has sparked debate regarding its financial implications on local governance and educational institutions.