Instruction Permit Rules

Obtaining an instruction permit (temps) can be a huge event in a teen’s life.  I can still remember the first time that I ever drove with my temps.  My Mom had taken me to the DMV to take the signs and knowledge test and I passed, so I walked out of the DMV with my temps in hand.  What a glorious day!  Then, my Mom actually let me drive home.  I remember how weird it felt driving down the city streets with cars going by and in some places cars parked on both sides of the street.  Everything felt so close, I felt like I would be hitting the cars as I drove.  I don’t remember much, other than it being all brand new to me and it being a bit scary.  If you have been reading this website, I assume that you or your son or daughter will be getting temps real soon.  Below are some of the rules that must be followed.

First things first, in order to get your temps you need to:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Have completed or be enrolled in a certified driver education program – Your behind the wheel lessons must start within 60 days of the date that your instructor signs your MV3001 form.
• You must have proof of citizenship, residency, etc.  all of which can usually be satisfied by bringing in your original birth certificate, proof of address and your social security card.
• You must be enrolled in a school program or high school equivalency program, have graduated from high school or have been granted a declaration of high school graduation equivalency, or be enrolled in a home-based private education program, and not be a habitual truant.
• You must have an adult sponsor to sign your MV3001 form in the presence of the DMV official.
• You must pass the signs and knowledge tests and the vision test,
• You must have fees to pay for the license.

Who can be your sponsor?  That all depends on your situation.  There are some very specific rules regarding sponsorship and rightly so.  The person sponsoring you is really sticking their neck out to help you get you your license.  They are certifying that they accept the liability for you and they are verifying that you are not a habitual truant and that you meet the above stated educational requirements.  So, by signing this they are taking on a lot of responsibility.  By accepting liability for you they are saying that they will take responsibility for any and all of your driving.  If you screw up, they are on the hook!  That is a big deal, don’t take it lightly.

So who can be your sponsor?

• Parent or step-parent
• legal guardian
• sponsoring family parent if you are a foreign student.

If you are not living with any of the above, then one of the following adults can be your sponsor.

• Grandparent
• Aunt or uncle
• Sibling 18 years old or older
• Spouse 18 years old or older
• Foster parent

If you have none of the above and are a full time student or earning a living or are a ward of the state or you are married and your spouse is under 18 years old, then you may file proof of insurance instead of having a sponsor.  This means that if there is no one else, the DMV will let an insurance company take the liability for you.

Once you have found someone to sponsor you and you have received your temps, you had better drive carefully.  Your sponsor can have your license cancelled by simply withdrawing their sponsorship at the DMV.

Instruction Permit Restrictions:

Teens must be accompanied by someone occupying the seat beside them who has at least two years licensed driving experience, presently holds a valid regular (non-probationary) license and is one of the following:

• a qualified instructor age 19 or older, or
• a parent, guardian or spouse, age 19 or older. In addition to the parent, guardian, or spouse, a member of your immediate family may occupy seats in the vehicle other than the front seat, or
• a person other than a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is age 21 or older. No other passengers are allowed. If you are under 18 years old, the licensed person accompanying you is required to have written authorization from your parent or legal guardian prior to the operation of the vehicle.

 NOTE: If you will be operating a vehicle during hours of darkness, you must be accompanied by a qualified instructor or a licensed person at least 25 years of age who has at least two years of licensed driving experience occupying the seat beside you.

Your instruction permit is valid for 12 months.  If you need to renew your temps you will need a newly signed MV3001 form from your instructor to prove that you are still enrolled in a driver’s education program.  Don’t let this happen to you.  Get out there, practice and get your lessons done so that you can get your license.  You must take a behind the wheel lesson within 60 days of the day your instructor signed your MV3001 form.  You must hold your temps for a minimum of 6 months and you must complete your required behind the wheel lessons and driving before you can take your road test.  Your sponsor will be signing for you once again, to certify that you have driven for a total of 30 hours, 10 of which were at night.