What Can I Do If I Can’t Pass The Driving Test?

Keep studying! If you’re thinking about altering someone else’s license or using their license as your own, you may lose the right to drive – for 90 days the first time and for an entire year the second time you’re caught!

How Many Teens Can Ride In The Car With Me?

You can only have one non-family teen in the car with you during your first six months of driving. After six months of driving, you can only have three teen passengers in the car under the age of 19, unless a licensed adult is supervising in the front passenger seat.

Can I Text My Friends While I Drive?

Nope! Drivers under the age of 21 can’t text while driving. If caught, you could face a $200 fine and two points on your driving record.

How Do I Register My Car?

Get your car’s title or proof of ownership; an odometer disclosure statement; an inspection certificate; payment for the registration fee; and payment for taxes if it’s your first time registering your vehicle. Then head to the DMV! Prepare to be patient as you wait! Learn more about titling and registration here.

Do I Need to Buy Insurance?

Yes! You must have liability insurance to protect other drivers and cars if you have an accident. This does not protect your car! Carry your insurance card with you anytime you drive. If not, your license can be suspended or revoked. If you have an accident, contact your insurance company and file an accident report with the driver’s license bureau.

What If I See Police Lights Flashing Behind Me?

Don’t panic! Slow down and signal to the right. Then, pull to as far to the right as possible, onto a shoulder if possible. Remain stopped until the police vehicle (hopefully) passes!

What If the Police Stop My Car?

Remain calm! Be polite and follow all instructions. Do not move around the vehicle or an officer may think you’re reaching for drugs or a weapon. The officer may ask you for your license, vehicle registration, and insurance and can have you sit in the patrol car during the stop. If you’re scared, you may roll your window down a few inches and ask an officer to drive to a public place.

What Should I Do If I Get a Traffic Ticket?

If you get a ticket, you must either admit guilt or appear in court to contest the charge. Failure to appear in court is against the law. If you are convicted of a moving violation, you’ll get 2-3 points on your driving record. If you get 8 points in 18 months, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 30 days. If you get 12 points within a 12-month period, your license will be revoked for 1 year. Because tickets have serious consequences, you may want to hire an attorney.

What If the Police Think I’m Driving Drunk?

By driving, you give police your “implied consent” to test your breathe, blood, saliva or urine. If you refuse to take the tests, your license will be revoked for 1 year. You’re legally drunk if your blood alcohol content is over .08 if you’re 21 or over .02 if you’re under 21. You also can’t drink alcohol while you’re driving.

What If the Police Think I’m Driving While On Drugs?

If the officer believes you are under the influence of drugs they can call a drug recognition expert to give you additional tests. You can be convicted for driving under the influence of illegal drugs or legal prescription drugs! The drug recognition expert may ask you for a urine sample.

What Are the Penalties for DWI?

Your license will be suspended or revoked. For a first offense, it’ll be suspended for 90 days. For a second offense within 5 years, it’ll be revoked for 1 year. It’s also a crime to drive while intoxicated. You can be arrested and, if found guilty, be ordered to pay a fine and can be sentenced to jail or prison. You can be sentenced to 6 months in jail for even a first offense! If you have additional convictions, your time increases – up to 15 years in prison for a fifth offense!

What Should I Do If I’m Charged With DWI?

Hire an attorney! If you cannot afford an attorney, a public defender may be appointed. If you have an accident while driving while intoxicated and you injure or kill someone, you can be charged with serious felonies like assault or involuntary manslaughter. DWIs are serious, so have a plan before you drink! Calling Uber, Lyft, taxis, friends, or even a parent is better than facing prison time!