Brandon Roth
Brandon got his start as a military journalist with American Forces Network.
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Read more: Local, State, Drivers, Teens, Requirements, AAA
CICERO -- New York State is strengthening driver licensing requirements for teen drivers.
The new requirements, which go into effect on February 22nd, increases mandatory in-car practice from 20 to 50 hours of certified, supervised driving with 15 of those hours of night driving. The new law also reduces the number of non-family drivers allowed from two to one. In addition, teens under the age of 18 will also be required to hold a learner's permit for six months before they can obtain a driver's license.
Driving instructors like John Schaefer of Branch's Driving School say the tougher it is for teens to get their driver's license, the safer it will be for everyone out on the road. "Based on statistics and based on our experience, to save lives, teens need to put their time in and learn, learn learn," he says.
Tahje Highsmith a freshman at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, is all for the new licensing requirements, "It makes me more aware and more cautious out on the road," he says.
The American Automobile Association is holding a free "Smart Teen" driving seminar on Wednesday, February 24th. For more information click on www.AAA.com or www.DriveWithBranchs.com.
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