Younger drivers may be on road soon

At age 15, teenagers could be on the road and driving with an adult under a bill that received committee approval Tuesday.

Supporters said the bill would give young drivers needed experience, but at least one opponent called the measure "beyond frightening."

HB363 authorizes the state Driver Licence Division to issue a learner's permit to a 15-year-old if they have passed required tests. The teenage driver would still have to enroll in driver's education training and would only be allowed to drive if an adult is in the car.

The bill would go into effect on Aug. 1, 2006, if approved by lawmakers. Current law allows a person to obtain a learner permit no younger than 15 years and six months.

"Having more supervised driving time is critical," sponsor Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, said.

School officials and safety advocates question the impact of the measure. Issues involving driver's education and when a student can enroll would have to be dealt with, said John Robinson, who oversees driver's education in the Davis County School District.

The maturity of 15-year-olds is also a concern.

"I can't argue with the fact that experience is valuable," Robinson said. "But I think you ought to factor in the maturity of a kid."

"I think we ought to consider what we're doing and putting in harm's way," said Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, calling the measure "beyond frightening."

HB363 passed 9-4 in the House Transportation Committee. It is one of at least two bills that deal with teenage drivers. A second, sponsored by Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake City, would forbid some teen drivers from having non-family passengers in their cars and from driving at night.

The restriction under SB118 would apply to drivers younger than age 17 but only during the first six months after they receive a license. Hale's bill is up for final approval in the Senate but is being held until she can gather further information about enforcement.

---

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com