All states set laws for obtaining a driver’s license. Illinois law allows teenagers to obtain a learner’s permit when they are 15 years old. Before allowing your teenage child to get a learner’s permit, you should know how to acquire the permit and who can be in the car while they drive. Read on to learn more about obtaining a learner’s permit and the conditions of having a learner’s permit.
How Do You Get a Learner’s Permit?
Teenagers between 15 and 17 years old must be enrolled in an approved driver’s education program or be within 30 days of participation in an approved program to obtain a learner’s permit. A person who is 17 years and 3 months old can apply for a permit without taking a driver education course. Permits must be held for at least nine months before obtaining a driver’s license.
A person must pass a written and vision test to obtain a learner’s permit. The instruction permit is used for the behind-the-wheel portion of the driver education program with an instructor sitting beside the student. It is also used to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle.
Who Can Ride With a Permit Driver in Chicago, IL?
A permit driver in Illinois must have an adult 21 years old or older in the front seat beside the permit driver when they practice driving. The adult must have a valid driver’s license and at least one year of driving experience. The adult is responsible for monitoring the permit driver as they practice driving.
Passengers in the car with a permit driver are limited to one person in the front seat, who must be the supervising adult. The number of passengers in the back seat is limited by the number of seatbelts.
Why Does Illinois Require an Adult Driver to Ride With a Permit Driver?
Teenagers and inexperienced drivers have a high risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States.
Several factors increase the risk of accidents for teen drivers, including:
- Inexperience, especially in less common driving conditions for teen drivers, such as driving at night, in adverse weather conditions, and in congested traffic
- Speeding and reckless driving, including tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and racing
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including over-the-counter medications that can cause drowsiness
- Distracted driving from using cell phones, grooming, eating, and engaging with passengers
An adult driver is required to supervise a permit driver. Being supervised can reduce the risk of an accident.
Liability for Damages Caused by a Teen Driving Accident in Chicago, IL
Illinois law treats permit drivers the same as other drivers for determining liability for damages caused by a car accident.
Most parents add their teenagers to their car insurance policies. Illinois requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. If a teen driver causes a car accident, the victims may file an insurance claim with the insurance company covering the teen driver.
Parents are responsible for the actions of their teenagers while driving a vehicle they own. A parent may want to consider increasing their insurance coverage when their teen begins driving. Higher policy limits can help protect parents from personal liability for damages if their teenager causes a car accident.
The adult supervising the teen driver could share liability for a car accident in some situations. Suppose the adult supervisor was negligent by failing to intervene to prevent unsafe actions by the teen driver. If so, they could share liability for damages.
Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer for More Help
If your teen has been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. The aftermath of a crash involving a permit driver can be complex, especially when it comes to insurance claims and potential liability.
A knowledgeable Chicago personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process, advocate for your family’s best interests, and pursue the compensation your child may be entitled to. Don’t wait—contact a lawyer today for a free consultation.
Contact the Chicago Car Accident Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident in Chicago, Illinois, you could have a legal claim. However, you don’t want to trust your claim to any personal injury lawyer. You want a Chicago attorney with a proven track record of success in car accident cases.
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
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10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
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Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
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