What Parents Need To Know About Texas Underage Driving Laws

Teens tend to look forward to it and it’s something parents often dread. Sure, parents are proud when their teens start driving but it doesn’t mean they’re not worried. Since you can’t keep your teen from driving, you’re going to be navigating Texas underage driving laws. These laws cover everything from when your teen can legally get behind the wheel to who’s liable if an underage driver gets into a vehicle accident.

When Can Teens Start Driving in Texas?

Texas like a few other states has what’s known as a graduated driving licensing (GDL) program. First-time drivers typically go through a three-stage licensing program.

However, first-time adult drivers may be able to knock it down to only two stages. So, when can your teen hop behind the wheel? The Lonestar State lets teens apply for their learner’s permit any time after they turn 15. Yep, you can take your teen to the Texas DMV on their 15th birthday.

However, before you plan the trip, teens must complete a driver education class. There’s also a written test but relax. The test only covers information learned in class. Teens also need to get in at least 30 hours of supervised driving time. Teens also need around 10 hours of supervised nighttime driving. Before you let your 16-year-old licensed driver supervise your younger teen, Texas law has something to say. The supervisor must be at least 21 and a licensed driver.

Next is Getting a Provisional Driver’s License

Some states like New York refer to this as a junior driver’s license. Texas calls it a provisional driver’s license. The terms mean the same thing, this is the second stage of the GDL program.

Teens must be at least 16 before they can apply for a provisional driver’s license. They also need to meet a few other requirements:

• The teen driver must have a learner’s permit for at least 6 months
• Complete the required driver education course and practice hours. Don’t forget this includes both day and night driving. 30 hours during the day and at least 10 hours at night.

You also need to finish up the Impact Texas Teen Driver program. Teens do have a tad more freedom with a provisional driver’s license but specific restrictions still apply:

• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or emergency.
• No more than one passenger under 21 years old who is not a family member.
• Use of any wireless communication device while driving is strictly forbidden, including hands-free.

Full Privilege Driver’s License

This is the third and last stage of the graduated driver’s license program. Your teen only has a couple of requirements left to meet. The teen must be at least 18 years old and not have any traffic violations on their provisional driver’s license.

If there are infractions, the state may not allow the teen to move up to a full privilege driver’s license. They may need to take another course and hold onto their provisional license for a few more months.

Potential Penalties for Violating Texas Teen Driving Laws

Teens may be tempted to break any one of the Lonestar State’s teen driving laws. However, it’s not the best idea. The potential penalties can be stiff. Teens can even face criminal charges. Here’s a quick rundown of the possible penalties teen drivers can face:

• Fines: Violations of provisional license restrictions can result in fines ranging from $25 to $99 for a first offense and $100 to $200 for subsequent offenses.
• Delays, license suspension, or revocation: Any violations can push back the date for obtaining a full license. If convicted for a traffic offense or ignoring the restrictions on a provisional license may lead to the suspension or revocation of the teen’s driving privileges.
• Extended restrictions: Violations may result in extending the provisional license period, meaning the teen has to adhere to the restrictions for a longer time.
• Criminal charges: In some cases, teens may face additional criminal charges depending on the nature of the violation. For example, under Texas’ Zero Tolerance law, it’s a criminal offense for anyone under 21 to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system while driving.

While this isn’t exactly a legal penalty, it can still hurt. Insurance rates tend to go up when teen drivers violate traffic laws. If the behavior keeps repeating, the insurer may drop the teen’s coverage. You can’t legally drive in Texas without meeting the state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. Teens also can move through the GDL program if they can’t produce proof of insurance.

How Much Car Insurance Do Teen Drivers Need in Texas?

Your age doesn’t matter when it comes to Texas insurance requirements. If you’re planning on hitting the road in the Lonestar State, you must meet the minimum insurance requirements. This applies even if parents are adding teens to their existing policies. Make sure your teen driver has the right coverage amount.

Texas requires all drivers to carry what’s known as 30/60/25 auto insurance. Broken down, this is what your teen needs to stay legal behind the wheel:

• $30,000 per person for bodily injury
• $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

You may want to consider adding some other types of insurance just to make sure you and your teen driver are covered if an accident occurs:

• Collision Coverage: Covers damages to the teen’s car in the event of an accident.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers expenses if the teen is involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for the teen and their passengers regardless of fault.

These additional types of insurance aren’t required by Texas law but it can help you feel better letting your teen take the wheel.

Talk to an Injury Attorney if Your Teen Is In an Auto Accident

Even with an adult supervising their driving, teens can still get into an accident. If this happens to your teen driver, don’t go through the legal process alone. Talk to an experienced Texas accident attorney.