Most teens cannot wait to get behind the wheel and drive a vehicle. It is a rite of passage for most teenagers, and even adults remember the first time they were able to drive on their own.
While all the driving and traffic laws apply to teenagers, some additional rules apply to them. This is because teen drivers are not as experienced, and special precautions must be taken for safety reasons, such as avoiding car accidents.
Before you hop behind the wheel, make sure you fully understand all the laws that apply to your situation. Keep reading below to learn more about the Nevada laws that apply to teen drivers.
Nevada Learner’s Permit Overview
Before a teen driver can get behind the wheel, they must first obtain a Nevada learner’s permit.
To qualify for a learner’s permit, you must:
- Provide proof of school attendance
- Be at least age 15 ½
- Pass a knowledge and vision test
- Have a parent sign the Financial Responsibility Statement
While having a learner’s permit is the first step to driving alone, teen drivers with a learner’s permit must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the vehicle with them. This driver must have at least one year of driving experience as well.
Nevada Permit Driving Requirements and Restrictions
Additionally, most new drivers in Nevada must complete a driver education course. This course generally requires 30 hours of classroom instruction with additional behind-the-wheel experience. Some teens may even be scared of driving, and this type of course can help them overcome that fear.
While the teen has their learner’s permit, they should get experience behind the wheel. They must log at least 50 hours of driving experience before applying for a teen license, and at least 10 of these hours must be at night.
Finally, a teen driver with a learner’s permit should follow all the rules of the road. Getting a citation while you have a learner’s permit may prevent you from obtaining a full license when the time comes.
Requirements for Teens Getting a Full License
After holding a learner’s permit for at least six months, a teen may apply for a full license.
To get their license, they must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have no at-fault crashes in the previous six months
- Have no moving violation convictions in the previous six months
- Have no alcohol or drug convictions of any kind in the previous six months
Additionally, the applicant will need to successfully complete a driving skills test on the road and submit documentation of their driving experience (50 hours behind the wheel, with at least 10 hours at night).
Passenger Restrictions for New Teen Drivers
Once your teen successfully meets all the requirements, they will get their full license. This gives them the ability to drive a vehicle alone! However, some special rules and laws still apply to a teen driver who has just gotten their license.
Your teen driver may not transport any passengers younger than 18. The only exception is for family members, such as a younger sibling. This rule applies for the first six months after obtaining their license.
Curfew Laws for Teen Drivers
Drivers under 18 may not drive between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The only exception to this rule is when the driver is en route to a scheduled event, such as work or school. This rule remains in place until the driver turns 18.
Zero Tolerance for Teen DUIs
Nevada has strict DUI laws in place for teen drivers. Since the legal drinking age in Nevada is 21, a teen driver should have no alcohol in their system. Any driver under 21 with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 or higher may be charged with a DUI. A DUI can lead to an immediate suspension of your license and additional penalties, such as fines or even jail time.
Tips for Teen Drivers and Parents
Before allowing your teen to get behind the wheel, make sure you are familiar with all the Nevada teen driving laws. Failure to follow laws could even result in the parents facing liability for an accident caused by their teen driver. Make sure your teen has the proper knowledge and experience before allowing them to drive on their own, and always get prompt help from an experienced lawyer if they are involved in an accident.
Contact the Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident with a teen driver, you may be entitled to compensation. De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help injury victims. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney.
We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless your attorney wins compensation for you.
We have three locations in Nevada for your convenience, including Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. We’re proud to serve Clark County and the surrounding areas.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 964-1806
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123
(702) 800-3455
About the Author
Alex De Castroverde earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and is licensed to practice in Nevada. He is a dedicated trial lawyer who assists clients across Las Vegas in a wide range of legal matters, with a focus on personal injury. Alex has successfully represented clients in cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and more. Click here to learn more about the outstanding case results Alex has achieved for his clients.
