Drivers license for teen (insurance, how much, school)

[esiebert7625]

I've been going through the azdot website trying to find how to get an 18 year old a drivers license and can't seem to get a straight answer from the site. For a 18 year old that has not had a license what is the complete process. As I think I understand it's like this:

1. Get an operators permit - this requires passing a written and vision test.
2. Complete 30 hours of supervised practice with 10 at night - how is this documented, do they take our word for it? Also as I understand taking a driver ed course is acceptable also. How much are these courses?
3. Take a driving test - is there a certain period of time you have to wait after you get a permit before you can do this? Can someone get a permit, do the 30 hours of practice and take the test a few weeks later?

[wit-nit]

Try this site and see if it answers your questions.

Arizona Drivers Permits - AZ Learner's Permit Online Guide at DMV.org: The DMV Made Simple

[esiebert7625]

I had checked there also but again it wasn't that clear, it assumes you are a under 18 teen driver and the requirements and restrictions are different than if you are 18. If you are 18 you don't need a Graduated license. Also it says nothing about how you document the 30 hours. Digging around I found this though:

"AZ does not require that adult applicants hold a permit prior to applying; however, if this is your first time getting licensed anywhere, you’ll need a permit to practice."

This sounds like if you are 18 you don't even need a permit to get a license unless you want to practice. So I guess those 30 hours don't matter and the only thing that matters is that you can pass the road test.

How does insurance work with practice drivers that only have a permit? Does the learner need to be added to a policy to practice?

[LBTRS]

Yeah, you basically have it. They take your word that you have provided the necessary hours of instruction.

After I taught my son how to drive and gave him the required instruction hours I paid for a driving instructor to teach him and take him for additional driving instruction. I wanted to make sure I had not missed anything and it also allowed him to skip the MVD driving test and just take the written test and get his license.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by esiebert7625

I had checked there also but again it wasn't that clear, it assumes you are a under 18 teen driver and the requirements and restrictions are different than if you are 18. If you are 18 you don't need a Graduated license. Also it says nothing about how you document the 30 hours. Digging around I found this though:

"AZ does not require that adult applicants hold a permit prior to applying; however, if this is your first time getting licensed anywhere, you’ll need a permit to practice."

This sounds like if you are 18 you don't even need a permit to get a license unless you want to practice. So I guess those 30 hours don't matter and the only thing that matters is that you can pass the road test.

How does insurance work with practice drivers that only have a permit? Does the learner need to be added to a policy to practice?

I would ask your insurance agent about the insurance issue. You likely need to add another driver, which will raise your premium .

[Ohky0815]

I know youre in Az but here is how it worked for in OH (18yrs old).
I called the DMV and asked how to get my license for the first time. They told me I am not required to do driving school but i need a permit then take the written/driving test. There was no time limit for the permit to license. I did not have to document anything for the permit but i know kids under 18 had to have their parents or driving instructor write it down and sign off. For insurance under a permit you could be covered under the drivers insurance as you have to be with a licensed/insured driver anyway.

That was 10yrs ago so it might be slightly different but I hope it helps sort of answer in some way.

[esiebert7625]

Thanks, it might just be worth it to pay someone to drive with him instead. So did he have to take the written test again? Once to get a learners permit and then again when you get the license? Thats cool being able to skip the MVD test, I hate waiting in that place. Do you get a certificate or something from the instructor that enables you to skip the road test?

[esiebert7625]

Originally Posted by observer53

I would ask your insurance agent about the insurance issue. You likely need to add another driver, which will raise your premium .

Yeah I'm not looking forward to that, I bet young drivers are expensive to insure. My parents made me get a job so I could pay for my own insurance and I'm doing the same with him.

[LBTRS]

Yeah, he got a certificate which got him out of the road test. He still had to take the written test to get his license.

This was several years ago so make sure it all still works the same.

[Ohky0815]

Originally Posted by esiebert7625

Thanks, it might just be worth it to pay someone to drive with him instead. So did he have to take the written test again? Once to get a learners permit and then again when you get the license? Thats cool being able to skip the MVD test, I hate waiting in that place. Do you get a certificate or something from the instructor that enables you to skip the road test?

That would be neat to skip the road test (although i thought that was way easier than the written test!).