It’s one of the most exciting milestones in the life of a teenager, since driving translates to more freedom and independence in their life. Some estimates show that about a quarter of 16-year-olds are learning to drive, which is down significantly compared to their parents’ generation. However, most will go on to obtain a driver’s license by the time they are adults.
Before that point, young drivers obtain what is often referred to as a “permit” so they may drive legally under some circumstances during the interim phase.
Why Parents Are Involved in Driver’s Permits
If you are a parent of a teen, then you will likely be involved in this process, too. Not only if you are supplying the wheels, but because it follows certain procedures based on Illinois rules – such as a need for an adult to be in the car with them. Chicagoland’s Cash2Go Financial will be a necessary stop for a number of other steps required of drivers in the state:
- Registering a vehicle
- Picking up your new plates
- Getting stickers every year or two
- Replacing lost or stolen plates or stickers
- Other car-related tasks
Until then, be sure the young driver in your family is taking the appropriate steps.
3 Steps in Students Getting an Instruction Permit
Whether they drive like a pro or are just learning the different gears, it’s important to know about all three stages of getting a permit, and what happens next. As your teenager works on becoming a better driver, double check with the Secretary of State’s office at each stage to be sure they meet all requirements.
There are typically three main steps:
Part 1: Getting the Instruction Permit
- Be Eligible & Enroll in Driver’s Ed: Students 15 to 17 years old are supposed to be enrolled in an approved driver’s education course to get a permit.
- Submit Required Documents & Application: Documents include a valid ID, a completed Secretary of State application, and the signature of a certified driving instructor. They must be properly submitted, as well.
- Pass Tests & Pay Fee: Students must pass both a vision test and a written exam, after which they pay a fee.
Part 2: Using the Instruction Permit
Check your state’s website to be sure all the drivers in your family meet the legal criteria, including anyone who may be supervising an unlicensed teen behind the wheel. Next steps teens and their parents need to know:
- Use Permit for Supervised Driving: An instruction permit allows teens to drive with either a driving instructor or a licensed adult 21 or older.
- Permit Validity Periods:
- For those under 18, the permit is valid for two years and must be held for at least nine months before they can apply for a license.
- If the driver is 18 or older, the permit is valid for a year.
- Exemption for Older Teens: There are exemptions for some drivers over 17 who may not need to take a driver education course.
If your kid is starting to drive, it’s time they learn about city stickers and other items they may need to obtain – especially if they have their own car. Young drivers should understand that certain responsibilities will continue after they get their license.
Part 3: Moving Toward a Full License
Driver’s Ed may be in the rearview mirror, but there are still a few remaining steps to take:
- Practice Driving After Your Course: After finishing the course, kids should continue practicing with their permit until they are ready for the license test. Remember: this must happen under adult supervision! Be sure your teen isn’t driving without a supervising adult in the vehicle who can make sure they use turn signals, follow the speed limit, and respect all of the rules of the road.
- No Extra Fee if Permit Is Active: Those who get their driver’s license before the permit expires may not need to pay an extra fee.
- Bring Proper ID for Licensing: Just like us adults, teenagers must present proper ID to get their official driver’s license. The state of Illinois posts requirements for different groups online.
Handle Auto Title, Registration & More at Cash2Go Financial
There may be other conversations about auto insurance and sharing the family car. Swing by Cash2Go Financial and an assistant will help you take care of certain auto-related tasks so the whole family can proceed safely and legally, without worrying about getting fined during a traffic stop.
Call us with questions at 847-469-2274 or head to your nearest location today.