Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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SUMMARY: LC 39 1087
- Requires public high schools to offer an elective driver education and training course
- Changes the minimum age for issuance of certain licenses and permits
- Repeals the current sunset provision related to collection of additional penalties upon fines for the violation of traffic laws (if approved by constitutional amendment)
- Calls for a constitutional amendment to authorize the General Assembly to dedicate revenues for the funding of driver education .
REQUIREMENTS:
- Driver education and training is defined as classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel instruction, simulation training, defensive driving, distance learning or virtual driver training programs which meet requirements for licensed driving of Class C or Class M motor vehicles.
- Public schools with grades 9-12 must provide an elective driver education course for 1/2 unit of credit beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.
- A person must be 16 years of age to be eligible to qualify for an instruction permit to operate a vehicle.
- Beginning July 1, 2017, a person must be at least 17 years of age and has completed a driver training program and has had at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience in order to qualify for a drivers license.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Part I relating to repealing sunset provisions of the increased fines for traffic violations becomes effective on July 1, 2017 only of a constitutional amendment is approved by the General Assembly and the voters.
Other provisions become effective if passed by the General assembly and approved by the Governor.
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