Bill reducing provisional license wait times for NC teens takes effect

RALEIGH, N.C. — Governor Roy Cooper has decided not to sign a bill into law that reduces the time a teen has to get a driver’s license from 12 months down to nine months.

The bill will also allow the teen driver to transport an additional passenger under limited circumstances. Drivers still need to be 16-years-old, log 60 hours behind the wheel, and pass a road test to get their license.

There have been concerns about the bill since it was introduced. It will take effect on Monday.

“Driving is probably the most dangerous thing that they will be doing in their lives,” said Charles McDonald, the president of the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina. “Taking away the experience requirement from young drivers is not a good idea,” McDonald said.

SB 157 was the only bill Cooper decided not to sign into law out of Friday’s batch. He released a statement after not supporting the bill.

“For years, NC’s graduated driver’s license process has significantly improved safety for all motorists; however, this legislation passed by a large margin because it should help reduce the waiting time for young people wanting their license,” Cooper said. “I have concerns that this law could make our roads less safe, and I encourage the Division of Motor Vehicles and the legislature to monitor its effects closely.”

Since the bill passed both the North Carolina House and Senate, it will go into law without the support of Cooper.

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