Teen Driving in Nj

Teen Driving

Getting the License

Many of today's teens can't wait to get that piece of paper with the cheap plastic on top, saying they are newly licensed drivers. But in New Jersey that's going to be a little harder, since January 1, 2001 NJ has put into affect the new Graduated Driver License Program (GDL).

The GDL is a program that teens and first-time drivers must complete to get their unrestricted license. This program was designed to lower the number of driving fatalities among teens and first-time drivers in NJ. The teens and first-drivers having more experience on the road, they'll be ready for any driving situation.

The GDL will affect anyone born in the birth year of 1985 and later, who apply for a permit. For people born in the year 1984 and earlier, you are very lucky, because this new law does not apply to you. Just as long as you apply for a special learners permit prior to the age of 17 through a state approved Drivers Education Course.

The steps to getting your license have gotten harder.

1. Special Learner's Permit (Student Permit)

Age: 16 Cost: $10

Requirements:

Ð'* Pass Vision & Written test. (100 questions in Multiple Choice)

Ð'* Complete behind-the-wheel training through an approved program to receive a valid permit for a minimum of 6 moths of supervised driving.

Ð'* Obtain parent/guardian signature.

Ð'* Pass road test.

The Student Permit driver must be accompanied by a NJ Licensed driver, 21 years old or older and be at least licensed for 3 years. The permit driver must drive supervised for 6 months. They can have only have passengers from their home address plus one additional passenger. They may only drive between the hours of 5:01 am to 11 pm

2. Provisional License

Age: 17

Requirements:

Ð'* Complete Student Permit requirements

Ð'* Complete a minimum of one year unsupervised driving.

Driver can only drive between the hours of 5:01 am to midnight. Their passengers must have the same address as the driver except one.

3. Basic License

Age: 16

Requirements:

Ð'* Complete provision License Requirements

The Provisional License driver may drive longer then the hours permitted by the state if they can get a written waiver from their employer or religious authority.

Choosing the Right Car

Now that you've got your license, its time for your "ride". The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) both say parents and teens should buy cars for safety, not for looks. Teenagers shouldn't drive real small cars or SUVs- because they are prone to roll over. Many teens that I have talked said the perfect car for them would be a car with a banging sound system, tinted windows, dubbs (20 in. rims), and a loud racing muffler.

Here are a couple of cars that we think are very suitable for today's teen.

The 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (Bug) is our top choice for a teen car. It's stylish, hip, and a little sporty looking. We choose the Bug because it's a new classic. This model's bug came standard with a 2.0 liter V4 engine giving out 115 horsepower making it at a top speed of 120 mph. This bug can hold 14.5 gallons of gas getting 22/27 mpg in the city/highway. It seats comfortable 4 small adults. This car was recommended by the IIHS as their Best Pick in 1998 for safety in its class. The Bug received a Good on the IIHS' rating system. As a used car the 1998 Bug would probably run you close to $ 8,000.

Are next car was the 1998 Toyota Corolla. It's sleek looking, with cool,