One of the Most Anticipated Milestones a Teen Can Reach Is the Privilege of Getting Behind the Wheel!
Some can't wait to get on the road and start driving, while others might wait years until they are ready to get their license.
A person should not be forced to start driving just because they have reached a certain age. Once a person is ready to start driving there is a specific set of milestones to get there.
Graduated Instruction Permit
Freedom on the highway comes with responsibility, and that begins with the first steps you take to getting a learners permit called a Graduated Instruction Permit.
The first step is studying the Drivers License Manual.
Once a prospective driver reaches the age of 15 years and six months, he or she is eligible to apply for a Graduated Instruction Permit (Class G).
Several identification steps are needed to begin the process:
Social Security Number- this is required by law and is necessary to verify your identity and comply with federal and state child support enforcement laws. It will NOT be used as your permit, license, or ID card number.
At LEAST two additional forms of ID, one of which MUST have a clear photo of the applicant or three forms if none have a photo.
Of these forms of ID, one must be considered a PRIMARY form of ID. These include US Passport, AZ ID card, or birth certificate. REMEMBER: A birth certificate is issued by a government agency and will contain a seal or stamp form that agency. Most birth certificates issued by hospitals, with the little feet prints, are ONLY SOUVENIRS, great for scrap books, not so great to prove ID.
Secondary forms of ID include: bank/credit cards, W-2 forms, employee ID (w/ photo), school ID (w/ photo), or Social Security Card.
If applicant’s current legal name is different from the primary document, proof of name change must be shown, such as a court document.
If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian signature (notarized) is required. In the case of guardianship or shared custody, more than one guardian MAY have to sign. Information detailing this is available on the application.
An eye test will be administered, so if vision is in question, please visit your eye care specialist BEFORE coming in for your test. If the applicant fails the eye test, applicant will not be allowed to proceed until vision is tested/corrected at an eye doctor.
REMEMBER: ALL forms of ID must be ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPIES in English, certified by the issuing agency.
Now…ready for the test?
The written or computerized test will cover information from the Drivers License Manual including rules of the road, road signs, and drivers’ safety.
Once a person passes the vision and written test, they will be issued a Graduated Instruction Permit allowing them to drive with a licensed driver seated in the front seat next to the driver. This stage is for six months before one can get a license.
Graduated Driver License
The next step for a teen driver is the Graduated Driver License (Class G).
To obtain a Graduated Driver License the applicant:
Must be at least 16 years old
Have held a Class G permit for at least six months and permit MUST BE VALID when applying
Must have completed completed an Arizona driver education program approved by the state, or your parent or guardian must certify in writing that you have completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night
Next Up, the Road Test!
Before coming in for your road test, make sure your vehicle is in good condition.
Your road test will include a test route that has a variety of traffic situations. An examiner will ride with you in your vehicle and give you directions to follow. You will be observed and graded on how well you follow directions, how you control the vehicle, and general driving ability. Before going out on the road, you will be required to pass a parking test.
Road tests may be suspended due to extreme weather or safety conditions. If an applicant fails the road test, they will have two additional attempts in a 12-month period.
Teen Driver Rules
A teen driver with a Class G license isn’t allowed to have more than one passenger under the age of 18 on a public highway unless the passengers are the teen driver's siblings or the teen driver is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a valid driver license who occupies the front passenger seat.
Once a driver turns 18, they are eligible to turn in their Class G license for an Under 21 operators license.
For more information on this or any of your Motor Vehicle or Driver License needs, call (480) 677-3132 for Queen Creek or (520) 788-6014 for our Florence office. Drivers license issuing and testing is currently being offered only at the Queen Creek location.