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State of Texas Driving Laws and Licenses for Teen Drivers – Phase II

When the state of Texas implemented this program for teen drivers, it did not change any of the base requirements in place for getting a drivers license – rather it split the requirements for those who are younger than 18 years of age into 2 phases.  This is PHASE II of this program. And it is important to remember that no matter what stage you are in, you need to be added to your parents Texas car insurance.

If a teen is 16 but no yet 18, the state issues teens a “Phase II provisional GDL” as long as the teen is able to prove that they finished a driver’s ed course. The teen’s Texas permit will have time restrictions and passenger limits for the first six months that the teen drives the vehicle.  The teen also needs to make certain that parents have added the teen to their Texas car insurance before you do anything in the car.

The teen needs to complete at least 7 hours of in-car instruction and at least 20 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (10 of which need to be at night) prior to applying for a license.  Heed the restrictions applying to your permit so that you are legally safely able to learn how to operate a vehicle.

AutoInsuranceInTexasTo apply for a license the teen needs to make sure the following have been done before going to the DPS office to apply for a license:

1. Turned 16 years of age

2. Held a instruction permit that was valid for at least 6 months

3. Completed 32 hours of instruction in the classroom, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 20 hours of practice in-car with 10 of those being at night.

If the teen meets the above requirements, they then may graduate to Phase II of the licensing process (as well as skip the driving test);

Take the driving test:

If the teen is under 18 they must take the on-the-road part of the driving test.    Contact the local Texas DL office to set up the road test.

Begin Phase II of the Graduated Driver’s License Program:

As already stated above, if the teen is at least 16 years, has had an instruction permit for 6 months and has also completed the classroom and driving parts of driver’s education, the teen can begin Phase II.  A few restrictions apply to Phase II for this next one year time period once the teen enters this phase of the program:

1. The teen can not operate a vehicle with more than one passenger younger than 21 – unless they are family members;

2. The teen cannot operator a vehicle between 12:00 AM and 5 AM unless the teen is driving the vehicle to work or to a activity that is school-related, if the teen is responding to some emergency situation;

3. The teen cannot driver a vehicle while using a cell phone or other wireless communication device – UPDATE – this is now state law.

The teen might want to remind their parents that they can compare cheap auto insurance companies in the area where you live.  Just enter the Zip Code at the top of this page – it is fast and free as well as easy.  There is no reason to pay more for  car insurance than is necessary, so try this out and see how much you could save in Texas car insurance.

State of Texas Driving Laws and Licenses for Teen Drivers – Phase I

When the state of Texas put into place this program for teenagers, it did not change any of the base requirements already in place for obtaining a license – rather it split the requirements for those who are younger than 18 years of age into 2 phases.  Below step 1 thru 4 cover PHASE ONE; with steps 4 thru 6 cover phase II.  And it is important to remember that no matter what stage you are in, you need to be added to your parents auto insurance in Texas.

If you are yet 18 years of age, the teen needs to:

1. Finish the classroom part of the driver education requirement.

2. Obtain/hold a legal instruction permit or hold a “hardship” license for 6 months when the teen is at least 15 years old.

3. Complete the driving requirement of driver education.

4. At the age of 16 apply for a Class C license (or 17 for a Class A or B license)

5. Obtain and hold a valid license that is provisional for at least another 6 months.

6. Obtain a regular no unrestricted driver’s license

Note: Parents need to add the teen on their auto insurance in Texas before letting the teen practice in the car.

As long as the teen is between 14 years and 17 years, they could be qualified to use the benefit of the “Parent Taught Driver Education Program”.  In order to make this situation easier, there is offered online as parent taught course, state approved, that may be order (not over 10 hours of video may be counted towards the 32 hour classroom education).  The teen must apply first with the state to ensure the teen is eligible to take this program:

1. Complete form DL-92

2. Have a money order or check to pay the nonrefundable fee of $20

3. Mail the fee and form to:

o Texas Department of Public Safety

o License Issuance Bureau

o P.O. Box 149246

o Austin, TX 78714-9246

The teen will receive details of the program by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.  There are also other method you might prefer to satisfy driver’s education.  The state does offer a numerous alternatives.  Each program has a requirement of a minimum of 32 hours of instruction in the classroom, 7 hours of instruction behind-the-wheel, and 20 hours of instruction behind the wheel with 10 of those hours being driving at night practice.

If the teen has finished driver ed in some other state, all that needs to be done is to provide proof when applying for the permit.  The teen will also have to provide verification that they currently are enrolled and also attending a Texas school or they have a high school diploma or GED, together with all requirement that are listed above in section for Texas resident.  The teen most also have auto insurance in Texas before driving after 30 days.

This may also be a great time to check cheap auto insurance companies to make sure that you are getting the best rate on car insurance.  By simply putting your Zip Code into the place at the top of this page your rate can be compared with other auto insurance in Texas.  Having a teenage driver can cause insurance rates to rise but there is no need to be paying absolutely more than you have to.

New Residency Requirements for Applying for Original Texas Driver License or Texas ID

New laws were put into place on April 2, 2012, that mandate that any person applying for a new and original Texas non-commercial drivers license as well as ID card.  “Residence” is considered the place where a person normally lives, lives most of the time or returns to after a temporary absence.  “Domicile” is considered your fixed, true and permanent home.  If either your domicile or residence is located in Texas – this prerequisite for a drivers license or state ID must be met.  And you have to have an original license to get Texas cheap car insurance.

In order to prove residency in Texas a person must show 2 documents that are acceptable that have an individual’s name and residential address on it.  One of the documents also needs to prove that the individual has lived in Texas for at the minimum 30 days, unless the individual is surrendering a valid, unexpired drivers license from another state at the time of applying for the Texas license, then the 30 day requirement is waived.  Also remember that you only have 30 days to get Texas cheap car insurance as a new resident before it becomes a violation of law.

If for any reason the individual is not able to show any 2 suitable documents – the individual might be qualified to sign a “Texas Residency Affidavit”.

The documents listed below will prove residency for a non-commercial drivers license or Texas state ID card – they include:

* Deed, mortgage, mortgage statement, payment booklet or rental or lease agreement;

* Texas motor vehicle registration or title;

* Unexpired valid Texas voter registration card;

* Texas boat title or registration;

* Texas handgun conceal permit;

* Any utility statement date within 90 days;

* Medical or health card;

* Selective service card;

* Current renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy;

* Current automobile insurance policy or statement from Texas cheap car insurance;

* W-2 or 1099 tax form from current tax year;

* Texas college or university report card or transcript for current year;

* Mail from financial institutions – checking, savings, credit card statements;

* Current auto payment coupons;

* Pre-printed payment stub or paycheck;

* Current US military documents;

* Documents from Texas Dept of Criminal Justice that indicate recent parole or release;

* Current Form number DS2019, I-20 or any document issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration.

It must be noted that 2 documents need to be issued by different agencies or companies.

The new law on residency requirement is waived for individuals who are authorized to use some alternative address under any of the following circumstances:

* Those subject to confidentiality of address by program administered by the Attorney General’s office;

* Those currently in jail in a facility managed by the Texas Dept of Criminal Justice;

* Individuals who are judges or judges spouse;

Law enforcement officers that use addresses that are alternative still must prove residency in Texas even when their drivers licenses might show addresses that are alternative. They need to show that their mailing addresses meet the residency requirements of Texas residency.

This month is one of the months of the year where car insurance companies compete with each other, pushing rates to levels that are the lowest of the year.  You can compare your policy by simply entering your zip code to the top of this page and you will be able to compare quotes for Texas cheap car insurance that we can match you with.

Information for Disabled Drivers in Texas

If you live in Texas and need more easy to get to privileges for parking because of a disability, Texas does have license plates and/or placards designating a disabled person for the car that you are in or driving.  This lets you park in handicap reserved parking spaces.  These are spots that are closer to public building and entrances, and this makes it somewhat easier for anyone with problems walking to get to the place they have to go to. You still need to have car insurance in TX.

Texas rules for being considered disabled are:

* You are unable to walk with out some assistance device – such as a brace, cane, another person crutch, or a prosthetic device

* You can not go around without a wheel chair or similar device.

If you are qualified, you can get the special license plates for no charge over what is normal car fee for registration.  Placards, that hang from the drivers rear-view mirror, are $5 and may be put in any car the person who is disabled is in.

These disabled license plates or placards are valid in all states, as placards or special plates issued from other states are applicable in Texas. But when going out of state in your vehicle, you might want to check with the state’s DMV where you are going to learn what steps are needed to take to get official temporary placards. Read our “Drivers with Disabilities” article for the state you’re visiting for more information and contact details.

Whether you want to get disabled placards or license plates, your physician will have to verify that you are disabled and state whether the disability is permanent or only temporary. Just persons who have permanent disabilities can acquire disabled license plates, but placards are obtainable for individuals whose disabilities is either temporary or permanent. Placards for temporary disabilities are valid for only 6 months.

Texas drivers needing to apply for handicapped parking placards or  license plate need to complete the “Application for Disabled Person Identification Placard or Disabled Person License Plate” that can be found on the TXDOT website. Part of this form needs to be filled out by your physician. The form needs be submitted to your “county tax assessor-collector”.

For more information with further details on the Texas program for disabled license plates and placards, download the “Basic Facts for People with Disabilities” pamphlet or call customer help line at (512) 465-7611.

By taking only a couple of moments to enter your Zip Code at the top of this page, you may quickly compare cheap insurance companies that we match you with, out of the hundreds out there.  Get the correct policy and rate that meet your individual needs and walk away with extra cash.  Just enter your Zip Code above to find cheaper car insurance in TX.

Further Information on Helping a Young Driver to Learn to Drive

This is further information to better help the teen and parents go thru Texas’ program for new or younger drivers.  It is important that all this material be accessed and used in teaching the teen how to drive.  It is not only valuable matter but it also can help Texas car insurance stay at the best rate possible for your family.

Important tips for teens:

* Always buckle up for safety and make certain you and your passengers use seat belts.  Seat belts save lives and it is the law in Texas;

* Slow down – fast driving gives you less reaction time and can also quickly get your new license taken away;

* Always use your turn signals – an accident cause by not using your turn signals – is your responsibility;

* Don’t drink and drive.  It causes accidents and is not legal under the age of 21;

* Focus only on the task of driving and the road as well as conditions around you;

* Do not utilize your cell phone for talking or texting while driving.  This is such a huge distraction Texas currently has banned cell phone use altogether while in the car.

* Do not eat or drink while driving as both these are interruptions;

* Plan in advance – know wherever you are going and have directions on how to get there.  This will save you from being hurried and again possibly causing an accident;

* Leave early as this gives you plenty of time to get where you are going. Being worried about being late to school or work can be another distraction.

Note that any accidents can not only harm you or your passengers but it can also raise the rate you and your parents pay for Texas car insurance.

Important tips and rules to enforce for parents:

* Set an example as all teenagers learn by positive role models;

* Know the rules of the road – if you are not sure – get a driver’s manual so you can refresh your memory;

* Make certain your vehicle is safe and well-maintained and teach your teen how to do this also;

* Know what tasks and requirements you will need to teach your teen;

* Begin slowly and simple, and in an area with little traffic such as a large lot for parking;

* Slowly work up to more difficult driving situations;

* Let your teen drive in every type of situations as well as all types of weather;

Rules for after they get their license:

* Limit number of passengers;

* Slowly rise the time you allow your teen to have the car;

* Enforce a curfew;

* Slowly raise the distance they can go;

* No eating or drinking while driving;

* Make then turn off the cell phone while driving or better yet leave it at home;

* No drinking and driving;

* Occasionally ride with your teen to see how their skills are.

Make sure that you are getting the cheapest car insurance rates during each stage of a teen learning how to drive especially if your teen is a good driver.  If you would like to search for cheaper rates, just insert your Zip Code in place at the top of this page and we will quickly compare rates for you with all other cheap Texas car insurance. You may be paying far more than you need to, even with a teenage driver.

Car Insurance for the elderly in Texas

Elderly people are considered to be safe drivers, they are less reckless, have more experience, drive slower, have more reliable cars and spend lesser time driving. Study also shows that in case of any accident, it is rarely the elderly’s fault. Whatever the actual reason for them said to be safe drivers, the point is that it makes car insurance cheaper for them. Car insurance is not just necessary by law, but is also important from the point of financial safety for anyone who is driving. Even if a person only drives for an occasional mile to the departmental store, he/ she should still have car insurance. The roads car surprise anyone, it can be the weather, visibility, unforeseen circumstances and just about anything. Since the elderly have slower reflexes, it is important that they be covered by auto insurance.

AutoInsuranceInTexasThere is a wide variety of insurance policies for them to choose from. Senior citizens fall into different categories like ‘over 50s drivers’, ‘senior drivers’, ‘mature drivers’ and also drivers who register as OAPs. The coverage they get and premium they are charged depends upon the category they are in. Even though a person might think that he has complete knowledge of insurance premium and coverage, it is better to talk and ask everything from the insurance agent. Insurance companies are continuously updating their policies and plans, so there might be a difference in what they are offering and what the person’s understanding of the offer is. Also when the mail from the insurance company comes, it shouldn’t directly be sent to the trash can, it always better to open it and see what it that they are informing you about is.  There can be some change in the policy or coverage, may be they need you to sign up a document for additional benefits and offers. One should be updated with details of what he/ she is paying for.

Car insurance is also important for mental satisfaction, as the elderly people are prone to tension. They should also keep a reminder about when the policy is due for renewal, and when the premium needs to be paid. Setting reminders will make sure you stay on top of things and don’t get an unpleasant surprise in case of a mishap.

If you have an insurance policy of elder citizens and what to find out if you are paying the best rate available, enter your zip in the bar on top of this page to find out.

Auto insurance tips with youngsters in the house

There are a few ways by which you can actually cut your costs:

Increase your comprehensive and collision deductibles to $1000 at least. That will lower your premium and will keep you from filing small claims that can jeopardize your claims free discount. Put some additional money away in your emergency fund, so that you are able to pay for the deductible in case someone in your family has an accident.

For your old cars, you should drop the collision and comprehensive coverage completely, that are worth less than the deductible. Even if the car is totaled you might actually get lesser than what you are paying from the insurance company.

Buy a car that is safe for driving, and can withstand a little more bumps than other cars. That way you can be slightly more at peace mentally and can reduce your insurance premium.

As many companies offer discounted policy rates to kids who get good grades at school, you should encourage your children for the same. College kids need to take about 12 credits to be eligible for the discount.

If your kids stay away from home, then show the proof of that to the insurance company, so they can reduce the insurance premium.

Find out if the insurance companies offer a discount for children who have completed a driving course that is approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If they do, you can send your child to take such a training course that will make sure he gets good instruction and you get reduced premium eligibility.

Do your research before finalizing on the insurance policy. The insurance market is very competitive and the companies are looking for new customers all the time. So you should ask around, speak to multiple agents, shop for offers, see how much discount can you get from them, what additional services are they ready to offer, before you actually sign a deal. It might take a little time but if it saves a few precious bucks there is no harm done.

Car insurance is the need of the day if you have a car, with or without children, so make your sure you get the policy that suits your needs. To find out more about insurance policy rates in your area, enter your zip in the tab on top of this page.

Auto insurance in texas that suit for youngsters

When children become of age and are allowed to drive, parents should get the children added to their auto insurance policy. Even though it might seem like an additional expense, it is way cheaper than buying a separate policy for them. Some policies anyway require all the drivers’ names to be there on the policy, so as soon as your children become of age the policy company should be informed.  If someone omits to have their children listed on the policy, and the company finds out about them later because of an accident claim or something, the company can bill the person for the extra insurance premium, refuse your coverage and claim, and deny renewing the policy in the future. Also, if suppose a teenager is the main driver of a car, given that the car was bought in his/ her name, or given as a birthday gift, the insurance company is going to charge the insurance premium on the basis of the teenage driver.

If your children are not living with you, then you can take them off your . Just prove to the insurance company that they are not living with you, by showing a lease agreement on their name elsewhere, utility receipts or any document that will support the fact that your child is not living with you. However you shouldn’t drop them out of the policy if they are only attending school elsewhere, as they might be driving the car when they come home. If the car is with the child studying in another city or state, the insurance company should be informed of the same. Then the insurance rates are going to apply on the basis of where the car is being used, and in the case of being in a different state, the minimum financial responsibility requirement of that state must be met.

Some insurance companies are known to give a discount to youngsters who have completed a driving course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). If the child received training from a parent who had done this course may also be eligible for a discount. You can also your agency if they offer discounts to young drivers who get good grades in school.

To compare you current quotes to the best quotes available for auto insurance policies in Texas for young drivers, enter your zip in the bar on top of this page.

Auto insurance for high risk drivers in Texas

Any insurance company before writing or renewing an insurance policy for a car owner will do a background check on him/ her to see how accident prone the person is. Meaning that depending on your driving history, the risk probability of the person is determined and the insurance premium is charged accordingly. The lesser the number of violations and incidents to your name, the less “risky” you are as a driver and the insurance companies will lower the premium on your policy. However, if you are the stage of life where you have collected many tickets, violations and accidents in your name then you are a “high risk” driver, and will have to pay for it literally. Insurance companies can add surcharges on the insurance premium up to 60 percent for the following:

•           Speeding violations

•           Accidents

•           Driving under influence

•           Criminally negligent driving

•           Involuntary manslaughter

•           Driving without a license or with a suspended license

Some of the surcharges are mandatory and are applicable for three years to your premium. Companies also see the credibility of the person before selling an insurance policy and may also refuse a policy on that basis. Although a company cannot refuse writing or renewing a person’s auto insurance policy solely on the basis of the person’s credit. Insurance companies can also access Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to get full details of a person’s insurance claims’ history.

If you cannot find a company that is willing to sell you an insurance policy then you might be able to get one through Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), though it will cover just the basic coverage as stated by law. A person can apply for coverage by TAIPA if two insurance companies refuse to sell him insurance policies. TAIPA offers liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage only. Insurance from TAIPA is more expensive than auto insurance from most companies and also charges surcharges for traffic tickets and accidents. If TAIPA policy holders go three years without tickets or accidents, the companies are required to offer cheap voluntary policies to them. The best way to reduce your insurance premium is by having the cleanest possible driving record, so that you are not considered to be “high risk”.

To find about more about auto insurance quotes in your state and compare them to your current insurance policy, go to the bar on top of this page and enter your zip.

All about Texas Car Insurance

For auto insurance in Texas, one must carry the proof of the insurance policy all the time and must have the minimum insurance on all vehicles. However, these amounts are not always enough to cover the damage incurred. Additional coverage is available if one is able to afford the costs. Some of the additional coverage available in Texas car insurance is Collision, comprehensive, medical payments and personal injury protection coverage etc. All of these features cover all the requirements of the insured. Collision coverage is a very important coverage as it helps pay to repair the damage done to the car or even replace it. It helps cover an area which is not covered by normal auto insurance.

Collision coverage covers all the people present in the car at the time of the accident. You receive an amount equal to the actual value of the car. This feature in auto insurance makes it easy for people to replace their car or restore it in case it receives excessive damage because of the accident. The headache of saving up for a new car is greatly reduced.

Medical Payments coverage is an extremely important additional feature in auto insurance in Texas. It pays for all the medical bills that are incurred due to the accident. The cost of medical bills is a lot and difficult to cover without insurance. This feature reduces the burden of the financial burden which would otherwise occur after an accident. Many people who are not very financially stable should try and use this feature. Personal Injury Protection coverage is one of the most useful features in a policy. It not only pays for the medical bills but also the loss of income which occurs if the insured is injured or loses his or her life. It too covers everyone present in the car at the time of the accident.

Car insurance in Texas aims at protecting the people and making sure they receive justice if wronged. Comprehensive coverage helps you pay the amount you still owe on your car. It reduces the financial burden one faces at the time of purchasing the car. To find more about the best insurance rates in your state go to top of the page and enter your zip in the bar.