Quiz yourself on teen driving rules

Think you know your graduated driver’s license rules? Try our test.

1. How many driving hours are required during the learner’s permit phase at minimum?

A. 35

B. 40

C. 50

D. 55

E. 75

2. After completing the learner’s permit stage, applicants can apply for a driver’s license.

True/False

3. Cellphone use is allowed providing calls are short.

True/False.

4. Nighttime driving restrictions differ on weekdays compared to weekends.

True/False

5. To obtain a learner’s permit, teens must:

A. Be age 15 or older.

B. Obtain a parent’s or legal guardian’s consent.

C. Must be enrolled in an approved driver education course.

D. Must pass vision and written tests.

E. All of the above.

6. All passengers in cars driven by teens with a learner’s permit or in the initial licensing phase, must wear seat belts. True/False

7. Nighttime driving is safer for young drivers because of less traffic. True/False

8. Teenager driving records are private. True/False

Answers

1. C — Learners must spend at least 50 hours practice driving, including 10 hours at night.

2. False. Teens must complete their learner’s permit, then proceed on to the next step — the initial licensing phase for ages 16 and 17.

3. False. Cellphone use if you’re under age 19 is against the law unless it’s an emergency.

4. True. Teens in the permit or initial licensing phases cannot drive from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sunday through Thursday and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

5. E — All of the above.

6. False. All occupants under age 19 must wear seat belts.

7. False. According to the National Safety Council, teen crash risk is elevated while driving at night. Factors causing this trend include inexperience, low visibility, fatigue and alcohol or drug abuse.

8. False. Parents can view their child’s driving record up to age 18 through the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.