Changes Coming For Teen Drivers In North Carolina
It’s a rite of passage for young people. Getting a drivers license is something that teens look forward to, but there are new rules beginning Jan 1. Changes are coming for teen drivers in North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, teen drivers must have their Level 1 Limited Learner Permit for nine months instead of the current six months before being able to get their Level 2 Limited Provisional License. The changes were made to the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing system by the General Assembly earlier this year.
DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said, “The law doesn’t allow for grandfathering anyone in, so if someone has their six months of Level 1 in before the end of the year but doesn’t get in to take their road test by Dec. 29, they will have to wait until they hit nine months to take the road test and get their Level 2. Anyone who got their Level 1 after June 30 must have nine months.”
The requirement to advance to Level 2 had been 12 months for most of the past 25 years since the GDL system was put into place in 1997. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislature temporarily shortened this requirement to six months.
That provision lapsed at the end of 2022 until a new law was enacted May 8 which extended the six-month provision again through 2023. Beginning Jan. 1, the provision will permanently change to nine months.
Teen drivers seeking a Level 2 license are required to be at least 16 years old, log 60 hours of driving time, pass a road test, and show printed proof of insurance in the teen driver’s name.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
