Driver License Education Requirements

Removed all provisions related to distracted driving safety programs, wireless communications device penalties, and point assessment waivers for distracted driving violations.

Added requirement that all driver license applicants aged 18 or older must complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course, with exceptions for out-of-state licensed drivers or those who completed Department of Education courses.

Modified learner's license requirements to specify that applicants must complete a driver education course meeting specific Department of Education standards that align with the traffic law and substance abuse education course.

Changed effective date from unspecified to July 1, 2025.

Added new Section 1 revising penalties for wireless device use while driving, allowing participants to waive penalties and points by completing a distracted driving safety program.

Added new Section 2 modifying penalties for wireless device use in school and work zones, permitting penalty and point waivers through participation in a distracted driving safety program.

Added new Section 3 requiring the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to create a 4-hour distracted driving course and mandate that basic driver improvement courses include at least 1 hour on distracted driving.

Sections 4 and 5 were renumbered from Sections 1 and 2, maintaining the original requirements for traffic law education for drivers 18+ and driver education courses for learner's license applicants.

Effective date remains July 1, 2025, but the bill is now labeled as 'First Engrossed' (e1) indicating it has been amended from its original filing version.