Teen Driving

Help prepare your teen for the road ahead

AAA places a high priority on providing effective teen traffic safety and educational programs. We can help you coach your teen driver on safe driving habits and prepare them for the road ahead.

DRIVING SCHOOL DARE TO PREPARE
Teen Programs

Teen driver facts*

  • 1 in 5 teens will be involved in a crash during their first year of driving

  • Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens age 16 to 19

  • Teens are about 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash per mile driven
Driver training

AAA Teen Driving School

AAA cares about the safety of your teen, and we want to help you prepare your teen for the dangers of driving. That's why we have training that offers a premier research-based curriculum focused on teen driver safety, with high-quality professional instructors who are AAA-trained and state-licensed, 30 hours of classroom instruction at convenient locations in Maine and New Hampshire, 10 hours of in-car driving instruction1, and free AAA membership for your teen once they graduate from the class.2

 

Find classes in your state:

MAINE NEW HAMPSHIRE
Teen Driving School

Auto Club Driving School

The right driving school can make all the difference. AAA cares about the safety of your teen and wants to help you prepare your new driver for the dangers of driving. We have developed a premier research-based curriculum with teen safety in mind, so you can put your new driver on the road with confidence.
LEARN MORE
Auto Club Driving School

Dare to Prepare

If you're a parent with a teen preparing to drive, you may find yourself asking any number of questions about what is ahead. AAA wants to help with Dare to Prepare, a free, interactive workshop designed for parents and their teens age 14-15 to attend together. It focuses on critical information before teens take the wheel, such as the roles and responsibilities of driving, how to pick a safe vehicle, and what to look for in a good driving school.
PRE-REGISTER NOW

Workshop information

There are no upcoming workshops at this time. Please check back later for updates. For more information, please contact Kara Thorp at thorp.kara@aaa-texas.com or 1-512-383-4342.

Supplemental online driving course

AAA’s How to Drive Online training program supplements states’ specific requirements for driver’s licenses for teens. Teens can work at their own pace through the 25 hours of content. The course includes training videos, Crash Cam footage, driving simulations, interactive memory exercises, and quizzes on the rules of the road. It concludes with a test to determine your teen’s preparedness for subsequent training.

How to Drive Online is: 

  • Convenient: Teens can access the online instruction anytime, anywhere
  • Reliable: The course's scientifically validated curriculum is based on the latest research
  • Informative: For $15, an optional course is available to help parents as their teen learns to drive
MEMBERS ENROLL NON-MEMBERS ENROLL

How to Drive Online – for Indiana members only 

AAA’s How to Drive Online delivers the rules and essential elements of safe driving in an interactive and innovative way. Approved in the state of Indiana for novice driver classroom education, this online program aims to ensure that safe driving habits are developed and maintained for life.

According to Indiana state law, a driver education program consists of thirty (30) hours of classroom or online instruction and six (6) hours of professional behind-the-wheel training with a state approved driver education provider.

MEMBERS ENROLL NON-MEMBERS ENROLL

Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. for South Central Ohio teen drivers 

This program designed for teens between the ages of 15 years, 5 months and 18 years old consists of learning fundamental driving skills and techniques.  The state of Ohio requires the course to consist of 24 hours of classroom and eight hours of in-car driving instruction. After completion, individuals receive a state certificate that may qualify them for an auto insurance discount. 

ENROLL

Auto Club Driving Schools, Inc. for Kentucky teen drivers 

This program designed for teens focuses on fundamental driving skills and techniques.  The course consists of 10 hours of classroom (including state-required Graduated Licensing Program) and six hours of in-car driving instruction.  An additional 20 hours of at-home, self-paced study is available at no additional charge.

ENROLL

Online training program – for West Virginia drivers only  

AAA’s How to Drive Online training program supplements states’ specific requirements for driver’s licenses for teens. Teens can work at their own pace through the 25 hours of content. The course includes training videos, Crash Cam footage, driving simulations, interactive memory exercises, and quizzes on the rules of the road. It concludes with a test to determine your teen’s preparedness for subsequent training. 

How to Drive Online course is:

  • Convenient: Teens can access the online instruction anytime, anywhere
  • Reliable: The course's scientifically validated curriculum is based on the latest research
  • Affordable: Members enroll for $19.95 and non-members enroll for $24.95
  • Informative: For $15, an optional course is available to help parents as their teen learns to drive
MEMBERS ENROLL NON-MEMBERS ENROLL

Dare to Prepare class information

All classes are held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Tidewater Corporate Office, 5366 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

  • March 28
  • April 30
  • June 27
  • July 18
  • August 15

Register for Dare to Prepare by calling 1-757-233-3889. Space is limited, and location and times are subject to change without notice.

How to choose a quality driving school

When the time comes to pick a driving school, look beyond your budget and timeframe to seek out a quality driving school—one that focuses on your teen’s safety, not just passing the license test at the cheapest price.

  • Ask around.  Check with friends and family about driving schools they’ve used.
  • Call different schools. Ask about their operations, as well as references.
  • Visit several schools. Sit in on a session; examine the vehicles and student materials; and ask how instructors are trained.
  • Focus on quality. Don’t settle for driving schools that advertise quick or easy programs. 

AAA Driver Improvement

The AAA Driver Improvement course will teach you the newest techniques of defensive driving in six hours of classroom or online instruction. Upon completion of the classroom course, you will receive a certificate for three-point demerit credit on your New Hampshire or Maine driving record. Maine licensed drivers can choose between online or classroom options providing you access to training anytime and anywhere.

Online course | Find Maine and New Hampshire classes

Graduated Driver Licensing laws

Graduated Driver Licensing programs aim to lower the death and injury toll among teen drivers by allowing them to gain driving experience before getting a license. Most programs include three stages for teenagers:

  • Learner: supervised driving, followed by a driving test
  • Intermediate: limited unsupervised driving
  • Full privilege: standard driver's license

Maine licensing | New Hampshire licensing | Vermont licensing

Alabama's Graduated Driver Licensing Law

Teens younger than 18 who are applying for a new driver’s license in Alabama must go through the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing system. This allows new teen drivers to adjust and improve their skills as they ease into more complex driving situations over time.

Stage 1: Apply for a learner’s permit

  • Must be at least 15 years old
  • Complete and pass a written exam based
  • May only drive when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, licensed driver age 21 or older, or licensed/certified driving instructor who is sitting in the front passenger seat
  • Pay $5 exam fee and $36.25 learner’s permit fee

Stage 2: Apply for a restricted license

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Obtain parent, grandparent, or legal guardian permission to receive a restricted license and drive without supervision
  • Complete and pass a road skills exam
  • May not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless:

o   Accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, licensed driver age 21 or older with parent/ guardian consent

o   Going to or from an event sponsored by school or religious organization

o   Going to or from work

o   Driving  for the purpose of a medical, fire, or law enforcement-related emergency

  • May not have more than one passenger in the vehicle other than family members or legal guardians
  • Pay $36.25 restricted license fee

Stage 3: Get a full license

  • Must be at least 17 years old
  • Must have held a restricted license for at least six months
  • Those 18 and older may apply immediately for a full license after passing a road skills exam
  • Pay $31.25 full license fee, or $36.25 fee for those who did not obtain a restricted license prior to turning 18

California's Graduated Driver Licensing Law

The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law has helped dramatically to lower the death and injury toll among California’s teen drivers. The law involves three stages for teenagers:

Stage 1: Apply for a provisional permit

  • Must be at least 15 ½ but under 18 years old
  • Have certificate proof of one of the following:
    • Completion of driver's education
    • OR
    • Enrollment in an integrated driver's education and training program.
  • Pass a vision and written traffic laws test

Stage 2: Apply for a provisional license

  • Must have held a permit for at least six months
  • Complete a minimum of six hours of professional driver training
  • Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 at night
  • Pass a behind-the-wheel test and show proof of insurance
  • Provisional driver’s license restrictions apply

 

Stage 3: Get a full license

Texas’ Graduated Driver License Program

The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program was implemented January 1, 2002 to give new Texas drivers the chance to improve their driving skills over time in lower-risk environments. The program involves three phases for teenagers:

Phase 1: Apply for a learner license

  • Must be at least 15 but under 18 years old
  • Have a high school diploma, its equivalent (GED), or a Verification of School Enrollment and Attendance form signed by a school administrator or a designee
  • Have a Texas Driver Education Certificate as proof of completion  of required classroom hours from one of the following: 

o    Driver training school

OR

o    Parent-taught driver’s education*

OR

o    Public high school

 

*Must have a Classroom Instruction Driver Education Affidavit

Phase 2: Apply for a provisional license

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Must have held a learner license for at least six months
  • Complete both classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of driver’s education
  • Complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers course
  • Pass a driving test and show proof of insurance
  • Provisional driver’s license restrictions apply

Phase 3: Get a full license

  • When a teen turns 18, the provisional license becomes a full license

Graduated Driver Licensing laws

Anyone younger than 18 who is applying for a new driver’s license in New Mexico must go through the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing system. This allows new teen drivers to adjust and improve their skills as they ease into more complex driving situations over time.

 

Stage 1: Apply for an instructional permit 

  • Must be at least 15 years old
  • Provide the following documents:

o    Proof of identity, identification number, and New Mexico residency

o    Proof of completing or being enrolled in a state-approved driver education program

o    Referral card from a Traffic Safety Bureau approved driver education school

  • Sign and complete instructional permit application (parent/guardian signature required)
  • Pass a vision test and MVD Knowledge Exam
  • Pay the instructional permit application fee

Stage 2: Apply for a provisional license

  • Sign and complete provisional license application (parent/guardian signature required)
  • Must have held an instructional permit for at least six months
  • Have no traffic violations within 90 days preceding provisional license application
  • Provide the following documents:

o    Proof of completing a TSB-approved driver education program

o    Log with a parent/guardian signature that shows completion of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night

  • Pass the MVD Road Skills Exam

Stage 3: Get a full license

  • Sign and complete driver’s license application; parent/guardian signature required for teens under 18
  • Must have held a provisional license for at least 12 months.
  • Must not have:

o    Traffic violations within 90 days preceding driver’s license application

o    Pending traffic violations at time of application

o    Previous or pending offenses involving alcohol or drug use during the provisional period

Graduated Driver Licensing laws

Anyone younger than 18 who is applying for a new driver’s license in Hawai‘i must go through the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing system. This allows new teen drivers to adjust and improve their skills as they ease into more complex driving situations over time.

Stage 1: Apply for an instructional permit

  • Must be at least 15 ½ years old
  • Complete instructional permit application, which may require parent signature and notarization
  • Provide proof of identity
  • Pass both a vision and a written test
  • Pay the instructional permit fee

Stage 2: Apply for a provisional license

  • Must be 16 or 17 years old
  • Must have held an instructional permit for at least 180 days
  • Show proof of completing classroom and behind-the-wheel driver’s education
  • Have no pending violation that could lead to permit suspension or revocation
  • Pass a road exam
  • Pay the provisional license fee

Stage 3: Get a full license

  • Must be at least 17 years old
  • Must have held a provisional license for at least six months
  • Have no pending violation that could lead to license suspension or revocation
  • Pay the driver’s license fee

Additional teen driving resources
teen driving

When you can’t be there, AAA can

Add your teen to your membership and enjoy peace of mind knowing they’ll be covered, no matter what car they’re in as a passenger or driver, by our legendary 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

Sign up today  

 

Tips for insuring your teen

Contact your insurance company before your teen begins supervised practice driving to make sure you’re covered. Ask what options will be available when your teen can legally drive.

If you are currently insured through AAA, call 1-800-924-6141 to ask about adding your teen to your insurance policy.5

If you do not have auto insurance through AAA, you can request a quote online, or visit your AAA branch.

 

Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

AAA research and experience have shown that it’s critical for parents to have candid discussions with their teens and to set specific boundaries about what the Graduated Driver Licensing law means for them.

To help parents coach their teens, AAA developed the free Parent-Teen Driving Agreement, which:

  • Outlines rules for your teen driver’s safety
  • Identifies agreed-upon consequences for breaking rules
  • Encourages discussion about expectations for both parent and teen

Maine agreement   |   New Hampshire agreement   |   Vermont agreement

 

AAA Keys2Drive

Keys2Drive provides parents the tools to work with their teens through each step of the learning-to-drive process, from choosing a driver education program to deciding when solo driving is permitted.

Maine  | New Hampshire | Vermont

Who can apply for the J. Theron "Tim" Timmons Scholarship?

The J. Theron "Tim" Timmons Scholarship provides up to $5,000 annually to deserving individuals. Applicants must be the child or under the legal guardianship of a AAA Tidewater Virginia member, demonstrate financial need, and be a candidate for graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent in the AAA Tidewater Virginia territory. Applicants also must be eligible or accepted for admission to an accredited institution of higher learning in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

Applications open later this year for the 2019 scholarship, which is being administered by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. To apply, please visit www.hamptonroadscf.org.

Teen driver articles
teen driving

Best cars for teens

New teen drivers need cars that are easy to use, safe, and up-to-date. To help you choose the right vehicle, our Automotive Research Center has evaluated cars based on a set of criteria including crash test ratings, engine type, vehicle size, and fuel economy to find the best choices for new teen drivers.

See the list of recommended cars

 

Distraction & teen crashes

Six out of 10 teen crashes involve driver distraction. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Iowa that analyzed almost 1,700 videos of in-vehicle camera found the problem may be greater than once thought.

Get information on how it happens and how to prevent it

 

Hands-free distraction study

Using voice commands while driving feels safe. After all, your eyes are on the road, and your hands are on the wheel. But according to AAA research, you’re more distracted than you think.

Learn more about the study

 

What to do in case of a crash

No matter how well your teen drives, there’s a significant chance they’ll be involved in a crash: 20 percent of teens will experience one in their first year of driving. Be prepared with our guide to the most commonly asked questions after a crash, including:

  • What information should I get at the scene of the accident?
  • What are my responsibilities and options?
  • How can I tell if I’ve been involved in a fraudulent collision?

Learn what to do

Driver improvement online course

AAA's online driver improvement course helps drivers fine-tune driving skills and refresh their knowledge of traffic laws. This program gives you the freedom to complete your course on your own time, from anywhere that is convenient for you. AAA’s online driver improvement course has been approved by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety for a three demerit-point credit on your Maine driving record.1 

 

Member sign-up | Non-member sign-up | Continue course

 

1Online driver improvement is not valid in New Hampshire and Vermont.

*Facts obtained by: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [Online]. (2012). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Dept. of Transportation (US). Traffic Safety Facts 2013: Young Drivers. Washington (DC): NHTSA. Available at http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812101.pdf. 3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Dept. of Transportation (US). Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted Driving 2012, DOT HS 812 012. April 2014.

 

1Other in-car training options are available. Driving school schedules and locations subject to change without notice.

 

2Free 12-month associate membership cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon. Available to graduates of full driving programs (classroom education with 10-hour in-car driving instruction). Each associate member must be of driving age and reside in your household. Limit six associates per membership. Associate members must be the same level as the primary member. Additional dues apply for Plus and Premier associate members. Plus and Premier benefits for new associates are effective 7 (seven) calendar days after upgrade is processed, and receipt of full payment due. The extended benefits will not apply to any vehicle breakdowns that occurred prior to, or during, the seven day period. Member eligibility, dues, fees, benefits, and services subject to change without notice. Applications subject to approval and acceptance by AAA. This offer is non-transferable. Other restrictions may apply. Driving school schedules and locations subject to change without notice.

 

3When you register for InGear on the Posit Science website and participate in the InGear program, your information will be provided to AAA, which will then measure the driving outcomes of those participating against those not participating.

 

4The $100 gift card is awarded upon completion of the InGear program. Please allow up to (3) three weeks for the delivery of your unique claims code at which time you will need to log onto www.aaa.com/giftcards and enter your physical address and then select your $100 gift card from one of the listed merchants. Your gift card will then be delivered to you within (2) two weeks of your action. No purchase is necessary. The gift card can be used anywhere in the U.S., excluding U.S. territories. Only one gift card can be awarded per person. We reserve the right to change the offer without notice. Participating merchants may change. Each merchant’s gift card will have its own terms and conditions. Please see the merchant’s gift card for these additional terms and conditions. AAA is not responsible for lost or stolen gift cards.

 

5AAA membership, which requires a separate payment of annual dues and an admission fee for new members, may be required for the purchase of AAA insurance.

 

AAA insurance is a collection of AAA branded products, services and programs available to qualified AAA members.  AAA personal lines insurance is provided by Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club in CA, HI, NM, ME, NH, PA, VA and VT; by Automobile Club Inter-Insurance Exchange (ACIIE) and Auto Club Family Insurance Company in AL, LA, MO, AR and MS, and in parts of IN, IL, and KS; by Auto Club County Mutual Insurance Company and Auto Club Indemnity Company in TX; by Auto Club Property Casualty Insurance Company in KY and WV; and by Member Select Insurance Company in OH. Insurance may also be provided by independent carriers.  Life insurance is underwritten by AAA Life Insurance Company, Livonia, MI.  AAA Life is licensed in all states, except NY.  The Motor Club or its affiliates act as an authorized agent for insurers they sell insurance for including AAA Life and AAA affiliate insurers.

 

Not all personal lines insurance coverages may be available in every state. Please consult your local AAA agent to confirm those coverages available in your state.

New Hampshire licensing process

New Hampshire uses a multistage licensing process for teens. This system allows teens to gradually gain exposure to complex driving situations, easing them into driving over an extended period of time.

Stage 1: Pre-licensing driving

  • At age 15½, teens may practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver occupying the seat beside them who is a certified driving instructor, parent, legal guardian, or adult age 25 or older
  • There is no physical permit or DMV application required

Stage 2: Apply for a Youth Operator License

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Complete the required driver’s education program
  • Complete 40 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours at night
  • Pass a vision, written, and behind-the-wheel test
  • In addition to other restrictions, teens under 18 years old with a Youth Operator License may not:
  • Drive between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
  • Drive with more than one passenger under 25 years old who is not family unless accompanied by a licensed, responsible adult who is at least 25 years old during the first six months holding the license

Stage 3: Get a full license

  • At 18, teens are eligible for an unrestricted Youth Operator License
  • Drivers under 21 will receive a Youth Operator License that expires on their 21st birthday

Vermont licensing process

Vermont uses a multistage licensing process for teens. This system allows teens to gradually gain exposure to complex driving situations, easing them into driving over an extended period of time.

Stage 1: Apply for a learner’s permit

  • Must be at least 15 years old
  • Must not have any violations on record at the Vermont DMV in the previous two years
  • Pass a written test and vision test

Stage 2: Apply for a junior driver’s license

  • Must be at least 16 years old and have held a permit for at least one year with a clean driving record for the preceding six months
  • Have a Driver Education Completion Certificate
  • Complete and show proof of 40 hours of driving practice, including 10 at night
  • Teens with a junior driver’s license may not:
  • Operate a vehicle in the course of their employment until they have held their junior driver's license for a year
  • Drive family members during their first three months with a junior driver’s license unless accompanied by a driving instructor, parent/guardian, or other individual at least 25 years old
  • Drive non-family members during their first six months with a junior driver’s license unless accompanied by a driving instructor, parent/guardian, or other individual at least 25 years old

Stage 3: Get a full license

  • An individual must be 18 years old to obtain a driver's license and must have not had any recalls, suspensions, or revocations during the preceding six months
  • Teens who hold a junior driver license for six months are eligible for a full unrestricted license.

Maine licensing process

Maine uses a multistage licensing process for teens. This system allows teens to gradually gain exposure to complex driving situations, easing them into driving over an extended period of time.

Stage 1: Apply for a learner’s permit

  • Must be at least 15 years old
  • If under 18 years old, complete an approved driver’s education course
  • If 18 years old, apply for a permit at a BMV office after passing a written test and vision screening

Stage 2: Apply for an intermediate license

  • Must be at least 16 years old and have held a permit for at least six months
  • Log and show proof of 70 hours of driving practice, including 10 at night
  • Pass a behind-the-wheel test and show proof of insurance
  • Teens under 18 years old with an intermediate license may not:
  • Use a cellphone or handheld electronic device while driving       
  • Drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
  • Drive with passengers who are not immediate family members unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat

Stage 3: Get a full license

  • Teens who hold an intermediate license for at least 270 days are eligible for an unrestricted provisional license
  • The provisional license period lasts two years; a person convicted of a moving violation within that period will have their license suspended for 30 days1

 

1Under Maine law, those young drivers who obtain their license before the age of 21 are considered juvenile provisional. 

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