HARLINGEN TEXAS

Harlingen Texas Online Driver Education and Harlingen Texas Licensing Procedures

We want to help you get the most out of this process, and to help make sure that applying for your first Harlingen Texas driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.

The Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit or Harlingen Texas Learner’s Permit

When you turn 15, you can finally apply for a Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit, otherwise known as a Harlingen Texas Learner’s Permit. This permit is valid until your next birthday plus 1 year. It allows you to practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21 with 1 year of driving experience. In order to apply, you’ll need:

• Completed Harlingen Texas approved driver safety course (more on this later)
  
• Proof of current enrollment and high school attendance
• Valid identification
• Proof of Social Security number

Once you’re ready, head on down to the local Harlingen Texas Driver License Office with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a written exam. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit! Remember: all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit with you at all times.

You’ll be ready to apply for the Harlingen Texas Provisional License once you’ve held your Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit without incident for 6 months have met a few more requirements,

The Harlingen Texas Provisional License or Harlingen Texas Intermediate License

You can apply for your Harlingen Texas Provisional License once you’ve held your Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit for 180 days. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:

• You've held your Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit for 6 months
• You've completed a Harlingen Texas approved driving training course (both classroom and on-the-road driving training)

Make an appointment and head on down to your local Harlingen Texas Driver License Office. Be sure to bring your identification documents, including your Harlingen Texas Instruction Permit. Then your only remaining hurdle is the dreaded Harlingen Texas road test! If you pass, then congratulate yourself once again: you’ve just earned your Harlingen Texas Provisional License!

Harlingen Texas Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

The aim of the Graduated License Program is to give newer drivers the opportunity to safely hone their driving skills before graduating to full driving privileges. Until you have earned your Harlingen Texas full license, there are several restrictions you need to keep in mind regarding your Harlingen Texas learner's license or Harlingen Texas driver's license.

• All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
• No driving between midnight and 5AM unless you’re going to/from your job, a school sanctioned activity, or for a medical emergency
• No using a cell phone while driving
• No more than 1 passenger under 21 (unless they’re family!)

After 6 months have passed, the above restrictions will no longer apply.

Once you turn 18, your Harlingen Texas Provisional license will expire and you then qualify for your regular Harlingen Texas driver license. From this point on: freedom!

Harlingen Texas Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

Unfortunately, traffic accidents can happen to even the most experienced driver. Despite your confidence in your driving skills, your vehicle must still be covered by Harlingen Texas liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:

• $25,000 bodily injury for one person
• $25,000 for property damage per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people

In fact, if you are in an accident and found to be driving without Harlingen Texas mandatory liability insurance, your Harlingen Texas Learner Permit or Harlingen Texas Provisional license may be suspended.

Harlingen Texas Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws

As a Harlingen Texas teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Harlingen Texas drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws.

Drunk Driving. Harlingen Texas takes drunk driving very seriously. Like most states, Harlingen Texas has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Harlingen Texas DWI, your Harlingen Texas Learner Permit or Harlingen Texas Provisional License will be suspended for 30 days for your first offense, 60 days for a second offense, and 180 days for a third offense.

In general, upon your first conviction of a Harlingen Texas DWI, you’ll also face the following penalties:

• Jail 72 hours to 180 days
• Fine of up to $2,000
• Fine of up to $10,000 (if a child under 15 is in your vehicle)
• Jail 180 days to 2 years (if a child under 15 is in your vehicle)
• Harlingen Texas License Suspension 90 days to 365 days
• DWI Surcharge $1,000 per year for 3 years
• DWI Surcharge $2,000 per year for 3 years (if your BAC is .16 or above)

And of course, further Harlingen Texas DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Harlingen Texas license suspension or even Harlingen Texas license revocation.

Currently, Harlingen Texas teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. That doesn't mean, however, that constant cell phone use while behind the wheel is a good idea for adults either! Don't allow anything to distract you from your driving.

Harlingen Texas Online Driver Education

Harlingen Texas teen drivers can find more information about approved Harlingen Texas online driver education on the Harlingen Texas Department of Public Safety website.