Idaho HB 320: Removing Mandatory Driver’s Education Course?
Driving is a privilege, not a right. However, for many teenagers seeking licensure, learning to drive is also a right of passage. In the Rocky States, driving is a necessity if one is to traverse vast and expansive highways or operate heavy farm machinery. In the past, licensed drivers needed to obtain a learner’s permit and complete a driver’s education course in order to gain their full license. However, Idaho HB 320, would repeal Chapter 17, Title 33 of the Idaho Code requiring all drivers with learners’ permits to attend and pass a driver’s education course. The bill would also raise the minimum driving age to obtain a full driver’s license (not an intermediate permit) from 16 to 17.
Bill Purpose
If it passes, House Bill 320 will eliminate the need for novice drivers to complete a driver’s education course through a private entity, school or with the state. The bill also separates drivers based on classification. Class D instructional permit drivers would only be permitted to operate a motor vehicle if driving with a parent, step-parent or legal guardian. 14 and 15-year-olds can apply for the instructional permit and start driving with a parent if they have passed a written driver course and a vision test.
Class D intermediate permit drivers must be at least 16 years old, and have to prove they have at least 50 hours of drivetime behind the wheel with the supervision of a parent or guardian. The bill also states that the novice driver must be crash-free and conviction-free for a six month period prior to obtaining the intermediate permit. This bill language is troublesome because it does not indicate what crash means. We can assume the bill sponsor means car collision, but does it matter if it was a single car crash with no property damage or personal injury? What if the collision occurred through no fault of the new driver or the accident can be contributed to mechanical failure? In addition, legislators who oppose the bill are concerned that 50 hours behind the wheel is simply not enough time for a student driver to gain enough practical experience operating a vehicle.
Critics of the bill are understandably concerned about the bill language because it is highly restrictive. It would eliminate flexibility for learning drivers to be taught by an older sibling, grandparent, aunt, cousin or family friend. Even if a blood relative is present in the car with the learning driver, without the presence of the parent the learning driver cannot legally be behind the wheel. For single parents with teenage children, it might be nearly impossible to ensure their teenager gets adequate driving practice prior to taking a license test. This bill fails to consider the needs of all families or drivers in advanced years who do not have a parent (but maybe have a licensed spouse or significant other) to instruct them and accompany them on all car rides.
Possible Effect on Car Accident Claims
Because driver’s education courses may no longer be compulsory, it is entirely possible that collisions may increase. Drivers education instructors provide the same experience and level of expertise to all of their pupils. They do not make up rules, fail to use turn signals or speed, nor they would instruct their students to do so. If a teenager or young adult is taught to drive by a parent with a poor driving record or history of reckless driving, the child may inadvertently learn poor driving habits from the supervising parent. In addition, without the driver’s education course, many novice drivers may simply be unprepared for the road, and unfortunately make critical mistakes that cause serious collisions. It is also unclear what effect Bill 320 would have on insurance rates for parents with novice drivers if it were to pass.
Contact Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center with Questions
If you have a teenager or young adult that this bill might affect, you may have questions about its implications. If you were involved in an accident with a young adult, you might also be concerned that driver’s education might not be compelled if HB 320 passes. Until the bill becomes law, it is possible it could “die” in the House. However, if the bill is ratified and you have questions about its implications on your claim, contact the attorneys at Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center.
