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Getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone for teens—and a big responsibility. Every year in Texas, thousands of young drivers get behind the wheel for the first time. But with that independence comes risk. Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in serious crashes than any other age group. That’s why Texas has specific rules in place to help new drivers stay safe and gain experience gradually.
Scott Scherr and The Payne Law Group have seen how quickly a teen’s life—and their family’s—can change because of a car accident. Whether you’re a teen preparing for your license or a parent helping your child learn the rules, here’s what you need to know.
The Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program
Texas uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system, which allows teens to build their skills over time in three phases:
Phase 1: Learner License (Instruction Permit)
- Teens must be at least 15 years old
- Must complete 32 hours of driver education (classroom or online)
- Requires a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front seat at all times
- Must hold the learner license for at least six months before moving to the next phase
During this stage, teens learn the rules of the road and practice driving with supervision. They may not use wireless devices—even hands-free—unless it is necessary in an emergency.
Phase 2: Provisional License
Once the teen turns 16, has held their learner license for has six months, and passed the driving test, they can apply for a provisional license. Restrictions include:
- No driving between midnight and five a.m. unless for work, school, or a medical emergency
- No more than one passenger under 21 who isn’t a family member
- No use of cell phones or wireless devices, even hands-free
- License is valid until age 18
Breaking these rules can lead to fines, license suspension, or delays in getting a full license.
Phase 3: Full License
At 18 years old, if the driver has followed all prior rules, they can apply for a standard Texas driver’s license with no restrictions.
Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking and Driving
Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. That means it’s illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
Penalties for a first offense can include:
- A 60-day license suspension
- Up to $500 in fines
- 20–40 hours of community service
- Mandatory alcohol awareness classes
A second or third offense brings even steeper consequences. If a teen is caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they can face the same DWI penalties as adults, including jail time.
Distracted Driving Laws for Teen Drivers
Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Texas, but teen drivers face additional restrictions:
- No wireless communication devices (texting, calling, GPS apps) for drivers under 18
- Applies even if the vehicle is stopped or at a red light
- Applies whether the device is handheld or hands-free
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes among teens. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one in six accidents were caused by distracted driving.
Parental Role and Liability
Parents play a key role in helping their teen become a safe and responsible driver. That includes:
- Supervising practice driving
- Enforcing household driving rules
- Modeling good behavior behind the wheel
- Discussing the consequences of risky choices
It’s also important to know that parents may be held financially responsible if their teen causes an accident—especially if the teen is using a vehicle owned or insured by the parent.
What Happens if a Teen Causes a Crash?
Teen drivers are held to the same legal standard as adults when it comes to fault in a crash. If your teen causes an accident, they may be liable for:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
In some cases, criminal charges may also apply—especially if drugs, alcohol, or reckless behavior are involved.
If your teen is injured in an accident caused by someone else, they still have the right to seek compensation. But insurers may try to blame the teen to reduce payouts. That’s where having a law firm that knows how to handle teen driving cases makes a big difference.
Injured in a Crash Involving a Teen Driver? Call Attorney Scott Scherr.
Whether your teen was hurt in an accident or a young, inexperienced driver injured someone in your family, Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group is here to help. We investigate the facts, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Scott Scherr today for a free consultation. We’ve been serving families across the Brazos Valley for over 70 years and are ready to serve yours.