There's no question that learning to drive a motor vehicle today is much more difficult than when we learned to drive as students at Andrew Warde High School over 30 years ago. Several new laws will go into effect later this year for 16- and 17-year-old drivers in Connecticut.The recent spate of deadly accidents involving teenage drivers across southwestern Connecticut prompted Governor M. Jodi Rell and the General Assembly to act. In addition, there are countless more distractions for drivers in this day and age, including cell phones, DVD players, and state-of-the-art stereo sound systems in vehicles.
Effective August 1, 2008, learner’s permit holders are not allowed to drive with anyone other than a licensed driving instructor giving instruction, a passenger giving instruction who is at least 20 years old with a valid driver’s license for at least four years, or a parent or legal guardian who has a driver's license.
What was it like when we were learning how to drive? According to the 1976 Flame yearbook, "The classroom phase of the driver education course is designed to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed for safe driving. Emphasis is placed on the physical fitness and psychology of the driver, automobile mechanics, traffic laws, and sound traffic practices.
"Behind-the-wheel training is also available. Automobiles are provided by local dealers and are equipped with dual brake controls. Each student must accumulate six hours of on-the-road experience."
Contrast that with today. Under the new law, 16- and 17 year-old drivers who receive a learner’s permit on or after August 1, 2008, must complete 40 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Currently, learner’s permit holders are required to complete 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
According to the Flame, "Any student who successfully completes the driver education course is eligible to apply for a driver's license by taking the examination given by the Department of Motor Vehicles."
If you took the class at Warde, Mr. Ambrose was the seasoned instructor who never seem to get too rattled. Others, including me, attended the Chase Driving School on Black Rock Turnpike. We were well-prepared for both the written and driving tests.
After passing our driver's exam, we couldn't wait to get behind the wheel of the family car. I don't think there were any restrictions imposed on us back then. In fact, many times we'd crowd six or seven classmates into a friend's car and drive to Kuhn's during our lunch period. Many times we'd "cruise" the Post Road well after midnight on the weekend.Today, that's unheard of. There are many new restrictions which will go into effect this Summer. Effective August 1, 2008, 16- or 17-year-old licensed drivers will be prohibited from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Currently, the nighttime hours restriction is midnight to 5 a.m.
In addition, during the first six months after obtaining a driver's license, the only passengers allowed in the vehicle with a 16- or 17-year-old driver are a licensed driving instructor giving instruction, one passenger giving instruction and who is at least 20 years old who has had a driver’s license for at least four years and has not had the license suspended, and/or the driver’s parents or legal guardian.
Between six months and a year, the only passengers allowed in the vehicle with a 16 or 17-year-old driver are anyone permitted during the first six months as well as any additional members of the driver’s immediate family.
Times have certainly changed. What do you think about the new laws for teen drivers which will take effect later this year. What would you have thought if these restrictions were placed on you after you earned you driver's license over 30 years ago? I'd like to know. Just click on the "comments" tab below.
Paul
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