Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

New license law affects teens; requirements more strict now

BY MARY LEE

Over the past few years rumors have spread among middle school students of our community, students moaning about it, teachers rejoicing over it, and parents dreading it, one question asked by all, "Will kids be able to drive alone before the age of 18?"

The answer is yes. The new Arkansas Graduated License Program is not as strict as many believe. The program, which officially begins July 1, 2002, will give students the chance to learn correct driving procedures and teach teens the responsibilities of being behind the wheel.

The program begins when a child is between the ages of 14 to 16. Students are encourage to take a written and road exam, and after completion, the student will be issued a Learners License. The license will allow teens to drive with an adult over the age of 21 and requires that every person in the vehicle wear a safety belt. At the age of 16 the license will expire and the child can then request an Intermediate License.

The Intermediate License is granted only if the young driver has had no accidents or traffic violations in the past 6 months. If the drivers has such violations they will be issued another Learners License that will expire when the student has been accident free for 6 months.