House Bill 339 is now law in Texas and will go into effect September 1st, 2009. This law presents significant changes for teen drivers. In summary, those changes are:

• Texas law requires a minimum of 34 driving hours with at least 10 hours at night instead of 14 total driving hours. National Driver Training has required 50 hours of driving since our approval in 1997 and we will continue to hold to our high standard.

• Parent eligibility requirements now include:
  • Must have held a Texas license for the past three years
  • Must not have any felony driving convictions
  • Must have less than 6 points on their current driving record
  • Must not be disabled because of mental illness
• Driving tests are now mandatory for all new drivers. Teen drivers may no longer waive the skills test with a state trooper.

• Graduated Driver Licensing restrictions on the newly licensed driver are effective for the first year on the minor's license. The restrictions include:
  • No driving between midnight and 5 am except for emergencies and school or work related activities
  • No more than one passenger under age 21 who is not a family member
  • No use of wireless communications devices except in the case of an emergency.