Michigan’s Senate on Thursday authorized legislation to toughen teen driving standards while simultaneously dropping the mandate for driver’s education in schools.
The Republican-sponsored bill passed on a 20-17 vote, with all Democrats present and two Republicans voting against it. The bill now goes to Gov. John Engler.
Under it, public schools dropping drivers’ ed must give parents “certificates”–worth about $75–toward a private instructor.
The bill would initiate a three-step scheme beginning when teens are 14 years, 9 months old. The “level two” permit, for 16-years-olds would ban driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Youths could obtain a full driver’s license at age 17, but only if they have held lower-level driving permits for two years and had gone 12 months without a moving violation or accident.
The bill also would require 50 hours of road practice with a parent or guardian and requires a Michigan road test.
