Springfield, IL
– An initiative requiring young drivers to spend more practice time
behind the wheel was signed into law recently, reported State Senator
Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac), a co-sponsor of the proposal which he says
will strengthen the Illinois Graduated Driver’s License program. Now,
parents and guardians will be required to verify that their child spent
50 hours in the car with a parent or guardian, including 10 hours of
night driving, before the new driver is eligible for an Illinois
Driver’s License; written consent must be given before their child can
apply for a license.
“This is commonsense legislation; the more time these kids spend behind the wheel, the better drivers they become,” Rutherford
explained. “Research shows that teenagers are more likely than adults
to get into a car accident, but that increased time in the driver’s
seat with an experienced driver nearby reduces that likelihood when
they take to the road by themselves. The additional practice makes them
more confident, more mature drivers—making the roads safer for
everyone.”
Previously,
student drivers were only required to spend 25 hours driving with their
parent or guardian, who was also required to sign a consent form before
the student received their driving permit.
The law went into effect upon being signed. Illinois now joins 18 other states which require at least 50 hours with a parent or guardian in the car, including California, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio.