Some teens need more time to learn rules and laws of driving

Q I must add to this conversation about provisional driver’s licenses for teenagers. Our family faced this situation with our teens about 20 years ago. We caught them driving other kids while they had provisional permits, and this led to the loss of their car privileges, including a canceled appointment for an upcoming driving test.

Their refrain: “All the other parents let their kids do it!”

Our refrain: “If you’re not mature enough to follow laws and rules, you aren’t mature enough to drive.”

Why risk being involved in an accident as a passenger or driver that could cause injury or death? Better to wait and have more driving experience. — Lisa Scott-Ponce,

Cupertino

A Her boys are grown up, responsible and law-abiding, says Lisa. “At the time, they were aggravated by us, but now that they’re parents, they see why we were so tough in that department.”

Q I’m bothered by so many news articles about teens dying due to young drivers’ speed or inexperience. Never once do I see the reporters talking about provisional license restrictions. I don’t see parents of these teens lamenting the fact that their children drove others or rode in cars with teen drivers.

I think schools should provide information about this, including the consequences (pictures from accidents). The DMV could also inform parents of teens getting licenses.

Call me a mother who survived two sons learning to drive.

— Jane Kamvar,

Cupertino

A Many schools address this issue in various ways. As for California regulations, minors (under 18) are issued what’s called a provisional license. According to the DMV, they may keep the license if they:

• Obey all traffic laws and drive without a collision.

• During the first 12 months after getting a license, they cannot drive other teens unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver age 25 or older, or a licensed or certified driving instructor in the car.

• During the first 12 months after getting a license, they cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

• Drivers younger than 18 cannot use electronic communication devices while driving. In particular, that means no cellphone to text or talk, not even in “hands-free” mode.

For more on teen driving instruction, learner’s permits and provisional license rules, go to www. dmv.ca.gov.

Q Regarding the question, “What should be done to make teens and their parents follow the law?” you might try the parents’ nuclear weapon: “If you are caught breaking this law, you are grounded until you are a grandparent, at the minimum.”

— Steve Lebus, Cupertino

A You made me laugh and injected some humor in a very serious situation. Parents need to hold firm and convey their support for this lifesaving law, rather than cave into the pleas of a whining teenage driver or rider.