Battle Born Injury Lawyers | July 24, 2024 | Nevada Law
What is the legal driving age in Nevada? Most might expect a simple answer: 16. But it’s actually much more complicated than that due to Nevada’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) system.
All states, including Nevada, have adopted a GDL system as part of a national strategy to help teen drivers safely gain driving experience in stages. It involves supervision by an experienced driver and conforming to rules to reduce exposure to risks.
The GDL strategy aims to reduce the number of teens injured and killed in motor vehicle accidents by delaying the full license until a young driver earns experience and matures. More than 2,500 young drivers lost their lives on America’s roadways in 2022, making vehicle crashes the number-one preventable cause of death for U.S. teens.
GDL in most states, including Nevada, has three stages: learner, intermediate, and full privilege license. Let’s take a look at the GDL phases that Nevada teens need to pass through to receive a legal unrestricted license.
Learner Stage
A teen can obtain their learner’s permit, called an instruction permit in Nevada, when they reach 15 and a half years of age. They must prove their identity and their Nevada residency, take a vision test, and present a Certification of Attendance completed by their school.
In the learner stage, Nevada teens must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older. The supervisor must be a licensed driver for a minimum of one year and must always be seated with the teen driver.
The law requires teen drivers to complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel experience, which must include 10 hours of driving at night. They must also maintain a log detailing the days and times they drove.
State law further mandates that most Nevada drivers under 18 complete a 30-hour driver education course offered online or in-person at public schools or private professional driving schools. Teens can enroll in the course at age 15. Those who can’t take the class can opt for 100 hours of behind-the-wheel experience.
Intermediate Stage: Nevada Minor License
Teen drivers may obtain their Nevada minor license at age 16. To apply, they must hold the instruction permit for at least six months and have had no at-fault accidents, moving violation convictions, or drug or alcohol convictions within the previous six months. Before the DMV issues the license, the driver must pass the skills test.
Restricted Driving
All Nevada drivers under 16 years of age drive with restrictions. During the first six months of holding their license, they may not drive with passengers 18 or younger. The only exception is immediate family members. If the young driver violates this rule, their restrictions may be extended by an additional six months. Fines may be imposed on repeat violators.
A statewide curfew prohibits drivers 18 and younger from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The exception is when they drive to or from a scheduled event, such as school activities or a job.
In addition, Nevada youth must obey local curfews not associated with driving. For instance, Las Vegas has established ordinances prohibiting youth 18 and younger from loitering in public spaces during the nighttime hours.
Full Privilege License Stage
As long as they complete the first two GDL stages, a Nevada teen can apply for their full privilege license at age 18. A beginner driver 18 years or older may select an instruction permit or decide to take the skills test to receive a full privilege license.
Nevada’s GDL Saves Lives
Nevada’s GDL system may not have eliminated teen car accidents, but there seems to be little argument that it has made a difference. While some have proposed making adjustments, like subjecting all beginner drivers to the learner stage, the state’s GDL has preserved young drivers’ lives and made the roads safer.
Contact the Las Vegas Car Accident Attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Las Vegas and you need legal assistance, contact our car accident attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
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