Anderson Injury Lawyers | April 22, 2025 | Car Accidents
Laws for learner’s permits vary by state. However, all states have a version of the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. According to the NHTSA, GDL programs allow beginning drivers to obtain driving experience while directly supervised by an adult driver. It also prevents inexperienced drivers from driving in risky or dangerous situations, such as late-night driving.
Most states allow someone with a valid out-of-state learner’s permit to drive within the state. However, you should always check with the state’s driver’s licensing authority to confirm that an out-of-state learner’s permit is valid for driving in that state.
Texas recognizes out-of-state learner’s permits. However, the driver must comply with the restrictions imposed by the state that issued the learner’s permit. The driver must also obey the restrictions imposed by Texas for driving with a learner’s permit.
What Are the Texas Requirements for Obtaining a Learner’s Permit?
A learner’s permit is the first phase of the Graduated Driver’s License program in Texas. Requirements for a learner’s permit include:
- Be at least 15 years of age
- Complete the required number of hours of driver education classroom instruction
- Have a high school diploma, a GED, or provide Verification of Enrollment and Attendance in a public, private, or home school
- Pass the driver knowledge exam
- Pass a vision test
A licensed adult 21 years old or older must be in the front passenger seat when the teen is driving. All cell phone use is prohibited for drivers with learner’s permits, including hands-free devices, except in emergencies.
A person must hold a learner’s permit for at least six months before applying for a provisional license. Learner’s permits expire on the driver’s 18th birthday.
What Are the Texas Requirements for Obtaining a Provisional License?
A provisional license allows a teen driver to have additional driving privileges. The requirements for a provisional license include:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Had a learner’s permit for at least six months
- Complete the behind-the-wheel portion of driver education
- Complete the Impact Texas Teen Driver Program
- Pass a driving test
- Have a high school diploma, a GED, or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form
- Pass a vision test
A provisional license does not require a licensed adult in the front seat. However, there cannot be more than one passenger in the vehicle under 21 years of age who is not a family member. Driving is restricted between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless driving for school activities, work, or emergencies. Cell phone use is prohibited, including hands-free devices, unless in an emergency.
Teaching a Teen Driver What to Do After a Car Accident in Dallas, TX
It is frightening to think that your teenager could be involved in a car accident. However, statistics show that over 1.26 million young drivers were involved in car crashes in 2022. Therefore, teaching your teen driver what to do if they are involved in a traffic accident is important.
Steps for teen drivers after a car accident include:
- Call 911 to report the car accident. Your teenager’s first instinct may be to call you. However, their first call should be to the police. They should call you after calling 911.
- Stay at the accident scene and follow the directions given by law enforcement and first responders.
- Give the police officers their driver’s license, proof of car insurance, and vehicle registration. Ensure your teen driver knows where these documents are in the vehicle.
- Discuss what to say when talking with the police. Teen drivers should tell the truth but not admit fault or discuss fault. They should not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police officer.
- Teens should not decline medical care at the accident scene. It is best for them to be checked by EMS. They may not realize the extent of their injuries.
Follow up with medical care after the accident. Documenting your teenager’s injuries for a personal injury claim is essential. Report the accident to your car insurance provider, but do not allow your teenager to answer questions or make a statement without legal counsel.
As soon as possible, contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. It is essential to discuss your teen driver’s legal rights with an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer to protect their best interests after a car crash.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Teenager After a Car Accident in Texas
Your teenager may be entitled to compensation for injuries and damages if they are involved in a car accident. Because they are minors, they cannot file a claim on their own. However, a parent or legal guardian can file a car accident claim on behalf of a minor.
An accident victim may receive compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Examples of damages for a teen car accident claim include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Lost wages
- Impairments and disabilities
The value of your child’s car accident settlement depends on many factors. Catastrophic injuries usually increase the value of a claim. However, if your child was partially to blame for causing the crash, comparative fault can reduce the amount they receive for damages.
Tips for Helping Your Teenager Become a Safe Driver
Teaching your teen driver safe driving habits begins with your driving behavior. Model safe driving whenever you are behind the wheel, including putting down your phone and following all traffic laws. Discuss safe driving behaviors when you are in the car with your teenager.
Practice driving in difficult situations while your teen has their learner’s permit. For example, allow your teen to practice driving in different weather conditions, during heavy traffic, and on different types of roads.
Set reasonable restrictions for your teen driver. For example, they cannot drive if they do not get sufficient sleep. They must check in with you when they arrive at their destination. Everyone in the vehicle must always wear a seat belt.
Remember, age is not always the best indicator of when a teenager is ready to drive. Even though your teen is old enough to get a learner’s permit or provisional license, it is important to recognize that they may not have the maturity to handle driving. If they take too many risks or do not pay attention to details, you may want to wait another six months to determine if they are ready to drive.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
