As a parent, giving your teen the keys to your car can be a nerve-wracking experience. While it’s a big step toward gaining independence, the reality is that teen drivers face a higher risk of accidents due to inexperience and other factors. In Nevada, the law has put measures in place to help ensure that teen drivers get the proper training before they are allowed to drive unsupervised. This blog provides an overview of Nevada’s teen driving laws to help parents and teens understand the process and rules to follow.
Why Are Teen Drivers at Higher Risk?
Before we dive into the laws, it’s important to understand why teen drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) points out that the combination of inexperience, distractions, and risky behaviors can make teens more prone to car crashes. Lack of experience means that teen drivers aren’t as prepared to respond to unexpected situations on the road. They’re also more likely to engage in distracted driving, such as texting while driving or talking to friends. Lastly, teens tend to take more risks than older drivers, which increases the chance of accidents.
Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program in Nevada
Nevada, like many states, follows a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program to help reduce teen driving accidents. This program gradually introduces teens to driving responsibilities in three stages: Instruction Permit, Intermediate License, and Full License.
1. Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit)
Teen drivers in Nevada can apply for an Instruction Permit at the age of 15 and a half. This permit allows teens to drive, but they must do so under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. The adult can be a parent, guardian, or even a driving instructor. To obtain this permit, teens must pass a written test and a vision test.
During this phase, the teen must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours being at night. This training is essential for building experience before the teen is allowed to drive on their own.
2. Intermediate License
Once a teen turns 16 and has held the Instruction Permit for at least six months, they can apply for an Intermediate License. This is a restricted license, meaning there are limitations on when and who they can drive with. For the first six months, teens with an Intermediate License cannot drive between 10 PM and 5 AM, unless accompanied by a licensed adult. Additionally, they can’t have passengers under the age of 18, except for siblings.
These restrictions help reduce distractions and risks associated with night driving and having other young passengers in the car. After six months, the restrictions ease slightly, but teens are still limited in certain situations.
3. Full License
A teen driver in Nevada can receive a Full License at age 18, or they can earn it earlier if they have held their Intermediate License for one year without any violations. At this point, the teen has earned the right to drive without restrictions, but they are still subject to Nevada’s regular driving laws.
Nevada’s School Attendance Requirement
In Nevada, teens must meet certain school attendance requirements to obtain their learner’s permit and driver’s license. If a teen has excessive absences or is not in good standing at school, they may be denied the ability to get their permit or license. The state wants to ensure that teen drivers are responsible both in and out of the classroom.
Other Requirements for Nevada Teen Drivers
There are additional requirements for teens who want to obtain their license. For example, all teens under 18 must complete a Driver’s Education course, which includes both classroom learning and behind-the-wheel training. Teens must complete at least 50 hours of driving with a parent or guardian, with 10 of those hours occurring at night.
Teens who fail to follow these steps or who have violations on their driving record may not be allowed to move on to the next stage of the licensing process. It’s also worth noting that if a teen is convicted of traffic violations, DUI, or any other illegal activity, they may lose their permit or license privileges.
What Happens After a Teen Driver Gets Their License?
Even after teens get their driver’s license, they still need to be cautious. The probationary period continues as they gain more experience on the road. They can’t drive at night or with young passengers until the restrictions are lifted, and they should be extra careful to avoid violations that can cause accidents or loss of driving privileges.
Parents should also monitor their teen’s driving habits. It’s important to regularly check their progress and talk about safe driving. Setting boundaries and leading by example can help guide them to become responsible drivers.
Teen Drivers and Car Accidents in Nevada
Unfortunately, even with all the safeguards in place, accidents still happen. In the event that a teen driver is involved in an accident, Nevada law holds the responsible party accountable for damages. Since Nevada is a fault-based state, the person who caused the accident will be responsible for paying for damages, whether that person is the teen driver or someone else.
Teens who are involved in a crash can seek compensation for their injuries or damages, as long as the accident was not their fault. It’s important to consult with an accident attorney to understand the options available to you. A skilled attorney can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and ensure that the teen gets fair treatment in the claim process.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
Teen drivers face a lot of challenges as they start learning how to drive. But with the right training and a clear understanding of the rules, they can become safe, responsible drivers. Nevada’s teen driving laws aim to reduce risks by introducing a graduated process that helps teens gain experience in a controlled and safe manner.
If your teen has been involved in an accident or if you need more information about teen driving laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney. Friedman Injury Law is here to help you navigate the process. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll make sure your family’s legal needs are met with care and dedication.
