Erie County Clerk
Press Releases

06/24/07

Parent to Parent: Your Teenaged Driver

In light of the recent car accident in Fairport resulting in the death of five teenage girls, Erie County Clerk Kathleen Hochul would like to remind parents of driving restrictions applicable to teen drivers that have been enacted in NYS.

Did you know that first year drivers have 10 times the number of crashes as older drivers and that the first 1,500 miles driven by teens are the most dangerous? According to the American Automobile Association, drivers under the age of 20 have five times the number of crashes as adults. These are startling statistics to me as a parent and I'm sure to you.

I am saddened as we all are by the tragic car deaths of the five teenagers near Rochester. As a parent of a 17 year old and a 19 year old, I can't even imagine the horror for the families and friends of these beautiful young women.

As County Clerk, I am responsible for the administration of the local auto bureaus, which issue drivers' licenses. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing the facts before you give your kids the keys to the car. Although it is a right of passage for teenager to start driving, it also is our responsibility to protect them, and to do so, we must know the facts.

Did you know that if a teen passes the road test within six months of receiving the initial permit, they possess only a LIMITED JUNIOR LICENSE. Those restrictions include:

• May drive alone ONLY for school, medical appointment, or employment with necessary proof.
• This applies is both DAY and NIGHT.

After the 6 months, the teen will receive a JUNIOR LICENSE, which is in effect until age 18.

Did you know that with a junior license under most circumstances, 16 and 17 year-olds may not legally drive between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian or driving instructor who is at least 21 years old.

Did you know that teenagers with a junior license MAY drive after 9:00 pm, ONLY if they must have proof they are driving to or from school or a school activity, employment or a medical appointment?

Did you know that 16-17 year olds may not drive with more than 2 passengers under the age of 21, unless they are members of the immediate family-anytime day or night?

Did you know teenagers can obtain a SENIOR LICENSE at age 17 by completing a Drivers' Education class. To convert a junior license to a senior license they must bring a Student Certificate of Completion from their instructor to the DMV. Only then, are seventeen year olds entitled to full, unrestricted privileges of driving.

Parents, it is important to make sure that your teenager is complying with these restrictions for their safety... Help your kids. Be informed.

Further information may be obtained at a local auto bureau, (see www.erie.gov/clerk for locations) or go the DMV website at www.nysdmv.com.