THE EFFECTS OF LEARNER'S PERMIT REQUIREMENTS IN TENNESSEE

A total of 1,535 surveys in 1995 and 1,084 surveys in 1996-1997 were completed at motor-vehicle offices in Tennessee after the respondents had qualified for their first driver's license. Surveys from drivers aged 16-17 (1,179 in 1995 and 812 in 1996-1997) were analyzed separately from new drivers aged 18 and older (356 in 1995 and 272 in 1996-1997). When the survey was conducted during October and November 1995, neither a learner's permit nor completion of a driver education course was required to obtain a license at age 16 or 17. The survey was repeated during December 1996 and January 1997, approximately one year after a requirement to hold a learner's permit for 90 days or complete a driver education course was implemented. Results indicated that Tennessee's licensing law change was associated with approximately 100 additional miles (161 km) and 8 additional hours of practice driving prior to licensure for the typical 16- or 17-year-old, most often while supervised by a parent or guardian. Results are discussed in relation to the prelicense practice driving requirements of graduated licensing systems.

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  • Corporate Authors:

    Elsevier Science, Incorporated

    660 White Plains Road
    Tarrytown, NY  United States  10591-5153
  • Authors:
    • Preusser, D F
    • Ferguson, S A
    • Williams, A F
  • Publication Date: 1999

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00781830
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-042 963
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, ATRI
  • Created Date: Jan 28 2000 12:00AM