Driver training courses approved by lawmakers

Saturday, Sept. 26, 1998 | 2:40 a.m.

Approval Friday came despite warnings from two legislators that the license restrictions will hurt poor and middle class families that can't afford training courses.

Until now, a 16-year-old could get a driver's license without taking a training course. The regulations go into effect next Thursday.

Sen. Ernie Adler, D-Carson City, said the idea of requiring driver training should be reconsidered by the Legislature next year.

"This imposes a tremendous hardship on these families," Adler said. "This also puts a huge burden on school systems."

But the Legislative Commission, a group of 12 legislators, had little choice but to adopt the regulations proposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety. A law approved last year makes it illegal for drivers under 18 to acquire licenses without the training. The regulations simply implement that law.

Assemblywoman Barbara Cegavske said the law provides $20,000 for young people who may not have enough money for a driver education course. They can apply for grants through schools.

Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, said she sponsored the law because she has two teen-age sons.

"I have read the statistics," she said. "Car accidents are the number one killer of youth."

She said insurance companies have informed her that driver inexperience behind the wheel is the leading cause of these accidents.

Under the law, new curriculum standards are set for driver education courses. Students must take at least a 30-hour course and have 50 hours behind the wheel before they can seek a license.