Teenagers going to get their driver's license for the first time may have something to worry about. There is a bill currently in Alabama's State Senate that could change their driving rights. The Senate Economic and Trade Committee is looking at House Bill No. 8. The bill, which passed Alabama's House of Representatives last Thursday by a vote of 62-6, proposes changing the current system of licenses with a learner's permit and a driver's license to a graduated system with three levels.
"I voted for the bill because statistics in states that have adopted similar programs show a drop in accidents and fatalities caused by teen drivers. I think anything to reduce the number of fatalities, even if it is only one less, is a good thing," State Rep. Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, said.
"Since I haven't had the opportunity to hear any of the pros and cons for the bill, it is too premature for me to give my impressions at this time," State Sen. Ted Little, D-Auburn, said. "With only a few days left in this session, and so many other things to deal with, the bill might not even come up."
Under the new system, the level one license would be equiv
alent to a learner's permit. A level three license would be equivalent to the current driver's license after the driver turns 18.
To receive a level two license, a teenager must be 16 and have had a level one license for six consecutive months. The teenager must pass a driving test and have a clean driving record for the six months prior to application as well.
With the level two license the teenager cannot operate a motor vehicle under certain circumstances. They cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, driving to or from work, to or from a school or religious sponsored event, or for the purpose of a medical, fire or law enforcement related emergency.
To get a level three license, a teen must be 17, have had a level two license for six months and have a clean record for six months prior to application.
Until a driver is 18, there can only be three passengers in the car, excluding parents or guardians, and everyone must be wearing seat belts.
Nikki Somers, a 16-year-old sophomore at Auburn High School, who doesn't have her license, said, "I don't really see the need for more rules and regulations. More parent supervision will only cause more problems. Most parents don't have the extra time to spend with their child practicing. Besides, the only way most people learn is by their mistakes."
Kathy Somers, Nikki's mother, said, "Why? It's more and more regulation. The proposed level two restrictions are basically what I allow my children to do anyway, except for going to the store. It is just another way for the government to sit in my pocket."
