Reader’s Question:

I live in Florida and Im 17 years old. My question is, can I use a learner’s permit to go to work?

Justin

Good Question Justin.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles you may, with a learner’s permit:

1. drive during daylight hours during the first three months from the original issue date and must be accompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years or older who occupies the front passenger seat. After the first three months, drivers may operate a vehicle from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, who occupies the front passenger seat.

The next step is to get an operator’s license. To be able to get an operator’s license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner’s license for at least one year without any traffic violations.

With a Florida Operator’s License, you may:

If you are 16 years old you may only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or you are traveling to or from work.

If you are 17 years old you may only drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat, or you are traveling to or from work.

From the information above it appears that once you have an operator’s license you can travel to or from work outside of the restricted hours but with a learner’s license you must always have a licensed driver over the age of 21 to accompany you in the front seat

To make sure of some certain restrictions and exclusions, you may contact the Florida DHSMV to get more information.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I only have the learner’s permit, what will happen if I met an accident? I live in Indiana

Red

Good question Red.

The extent of driving privileges with just a learner’s permit, according to the Indiana Driver’s Manual, depends on the age of the driver. If:

• the holder is less than 18 years of age, he or she may practice driving only while the front passenger seat is occupied by a parent, guardian, step parent or other relative with a valid driver license in his or her possession; or if
• the holder is at least 18 years of age; he or she may practice driving only while the front passenger seat is occupied by any individual with a valid driver license in his or her possession.

A learner’s permit in Indiana does not permit you to operate a vehicle alone under any circumstances.

If you were in an accident (given that you comply with the restrictions of your learners permit) it doesn’t look like there are penalties for being in an accident but you should get more information with the IN Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to make sure.

If you were driving with a licensed adult, normally, the consequences would not be any different than anyone else with a license who is involved in an accident. If you were not driving with a licensed driver, then you will likely be facing a ‘driving without a license’ ticket and may possibly pay fines.

A learner permit violation is worth 4 points plus an administrative hearing will be required. This is according to the Indiana BMV points list.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Im a minor and I received a speeding ticket, what will happen next? I live in Ohio.

Jasmine

Thank you for asking Jasmine.

A ticket for exceeding the speed limit ,when the limit should be less than 55 mph typically results in getting 2 points on your Ohio driver’s license and record. This violation might not be placed on your OH driving record since you said that you only received a written warning.

Some states do not actually require a court appearance or paying a fine for a written warning. It just serves as a reminder for you about your speed driving. On other states however will file this warning or place it on your driving record. You may verify with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or Traffic Violation Bureau to make sure what Ohio does regarding written warnings.

It is noted by the Ohio BMV that if a probationary motorist under the age of 17 is convicted of having committed one moving violation during the first six months of having a driver license, the individual must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whenever operating a motor vehicle during the six-month period commencing on the date on which the person is convicted of or pleads guilty to the moving violation or until the person attains the age of 17. You may contact BMV to verify this information.

If your speeding offense is recorded by the State Patrol and placed on your driving record your insurance provider will see the offense when they next look up your MVR. They typically do this when you start a policy, make changes and/or at renewal time.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Can I legally own a vehicle and get insurance for it?

Alice

Good question Alice.

It actually depends upon the law of the state at what age an individual may legally have ownership of a motor vehicle. State laws may differ from one state to the next regarding the age they will allow an individual to own a vehicle.

Generally a juvenile cannot make a contract and cannot be a sole owner of a vehicle. Normally a teenager cannot actually own property. Technically his/her parents own that property.

There can be exceptions to this and it still again depends on the state laws. For example Arizona has an emancipation statute for minors over 16 who can show they are sufficiently mature enough to take care of their own financial and other health-related affairs. If the order is granted to the minor, then he/she would then be able to enter into contracts for the purchase of property like cars.

Those states that will allow a minor to register a car will normally need a parent or guardian to sign on any legal documents or contracts since they are still a minor. It is stated by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) that if you are under the age of 18 and want to register a vehicle, your parent or legal guardian must complete a minor consent form. You will need to be accompanied by your parent or guardian when you appear in front of the Clerk of Courts title office staff to have a vehicle titled in your name.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Im a minor and I want to know what the penalties are for me if I drive without a license.

Mike

Thank you for asking Mike.

Typically, driving without a license in the state of California includes a fine and court fees, towing and impoundment of the vehicle the unlicensed driver was driving. If you have had convictions before for driving as an unlicensed driver, the state may be able to take the car away from you as forfeiture.

it is considered as a misdemeanor to drive without a valid driver’s license in California. The law also requires a motorist to have his license in his possession while driving. If you drive with a suspended or revoked license, it is a misdemeanor carrying a punishment of five days to six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for a first conviction.

It is also noted that if a teenager does not yet have a license, the minor will be delayed in receiving his license. The CA Department of Motor Vehicles should be able to give the you more information on what other penalties may apply for driving without a license.

The county court will assign the fine for your citation where you were cited for the conviction. If you want to get information on traffic tickets you may call the court or other entity listed on the ticket to get this more information.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

My 16 year old daughter has her license now, should I add her to my policy or once she gets her own car? I live in Pennsylvania.

Rachel

Thank you for asking Rachel.

Insurers guidelines are different from each other but generally insurance providers will require you to list all licensed operators in your household on your insurance policy. Since your child has received her license already your auto insurance provider should be informed and they will tell you if you are required to add her or not but most likely you will need to add her in order for her to have coverage and be insured.

An insurance company is allowed to consider all resident drivers of an insured car in rating of an auto insurance policy.

Insurers are usually allowed by state car insurance laws to use classifications that reflect a possible exposure for liability on the part of the insurer, in the event that bodily injury or property damage occurs due to that child’s operation of the vehicle.

Your friend may be able to borrow your car without being added to your insurance but household members with valid licenses usually do need to be listed in your policy so that the person will be properly insured and covered.

If you do not tell your insurance provider about your child being licensed and she is not listed to the policy then she may not be covered if in an accident. Some insurance company may allow your child to be covered for the accident but only after you have paid the premiums that should have been paid for your daughter to be on the policy.

It is noted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department that the first named insured on a policy can exclude a teenager from the car insurance policy if that individual being excluded can prove he or she has auto insurance with another company. Always remember that if an individual is excluded from your insurance policy there will be no coverage at all extended to them if they drive the vehicle.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

I just want to how I may be able to know if my teenager has received any ticket or traffic violation. We live in Georgia.

Erica

Good Question Erica.

Theres a lot of ways to get a copy of your own driving record or driving history in Georgia. In Georgia to get your child’s driving record you will need their authorization. Given the permission, you may be able to check their records online, in person or you may request in through the mail.

To get a non-certified copy of the child’s MVR online you will need his or her permission as well as:

1. Driver’s License Number
2. Date of Birth
3. Password (this can be set up by request online with the GA Department of Driver Services website)

You may purchase the Georgia Driving Report in person at any GA Department of Driver Services customer service center area. You will be required for proper identification and the cost is $5.00 for a 3 year record and $7.00 for a 7 year record. If you are getting a driving record other than your own, you will need the following:

1. A notarized authorization form from the licensee naming you to receive record.
2. the licensee’s full name, date of birth and driver license number.
3. you will also need to provide proper identification.

You may want to contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services to get information if there is any way to verify the MVR without their permission. There might be a way to find this out since you are a parent to a minor.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Is it true that an accident has to happen first before I can add my teenager to the policy?

Caroline

Thank you for asking Caroline.

No, It is actually not a normal practice for an insurance company to wait for an accident before they can add your son to your policy. Usually, if a licensed household driver has not been reported to the insurance carrier and properly added on the policy then their claim may be denied.

Most insurance providers would require you to inform them of all licensed drivers in the household and have them listed on your policy. If an individual is a licensed driver but not listed on the policy or you have not informed your insurers of the license status of all household members then this could be considered as a form of fraud.

In some states if a licensed driver in the household was not placed on your insurance policy and had an accident your insurance provider may accept the claim for their collision but you would have to pay the premiums that should have been paid to the insurance company since the individual was licensed driver and should have been added on the policy.

It seems that you reside in Rochester, NY. According to the New York State Insurance Department, an insurance company is allowed to consider all resident drivers of an insured car in rating of an auto insurance policy. Even if your child only has the learner’s permit, he/she is still included.

New York state insurance companies are allowed to use classifications that reflect a possible exposure for liability on the part of the insurance company, in the event of an accident due to that child’s operation of the car.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Three years ago, my husband was fined due to driving without insurance when he was still a teenager. I just want to know how long for that conviction should affect our rates because our premiums are still high. We live in Ontario Canada.

Maria

Good question Maria.

In Ontario the law requires that all motorists have car insurance. The mandatory coverage in Ontario are: $200,000 of third party liability, statutory accident benefits, uninsured automobile and direct compensation-property damage.

Fines of $5000 up to $50000 may be penalized for vehicle owners and drivers who do not have a valid car insurance . If you get caught driving without a valid automobile insurance, your driver’s license may be suspended and your vehicle impounded.

If you are convicted of operating a vehicle without valid automobile insurance, your insurance provider will put you as a “high-risk” driver and may charge you higher premiums. It is also possible that they will refuse to sell car insurance as well to you.

It is considered a major conviction if you drive without an insurance. Surcharges should apply to your insurance for three years. Insurance providers may be able to look up to your driving record for the past three years (and the past six years for claims).

Insurance companies in Ontario assess your rates depending on what they perceive as their risk of having you as a policy holder. According to information provided above it would appear that 3 years of driving without insurance conviction should no longer affect your husband’s rates.

So you may contact your insurance agent to know why your policy rates continue to be high. You may also consider shopping around for other insurance companies and get quotes if you are not satisfied with your current insurance provider.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

Reader’s Question:

Once my 16 year old kid gets his license, can he drive my vehicle and does he needs to get an insurance right after getting his license?

Richmond

Thank you for asking Richmond.

The mandatory auto liability insurance in Wyoming law requires that an individual driving a motor vehicle must satisfy the state’s financial responsibility limits of 25/50/20.

According to the Wyoming financial responsibility law, liability policy means an owner’s or an operator’s policy of liability insurance, certified as proof of financial responsibility, and issued by an insurance carrier authorized to transact business in this state, to or for the benefit of the person named as insured.

It looks like, from the information above, anyone driving must have insurance on them as a driver. I would suggest that you check with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to get more information if this is correct according to Wyoming Motor Vehicle Statutes.

If your son is getting a license, since he is under 18, he will need an authorization from you. In this form you will have to sign and part of this may include keeping insurance coverage or being responsible for the young driver while he is driving so you may check it from the WY DOT exactly what the release form states.

Most insurance companies will require you to put on the list any household licensed drivers on your policy. So when your son gets his license you will need to notify your insurance company and they likely will require you add your son to the insurance policy. He is likely going to operate your vehicle so he needs to be insured.

Goodluck!

MariCAR