Importance of a driver’s license
A driver’s license allows you to legally drive or operate a motor vehicle. The rules and stipulations for obtaining one differ for each state, and there are multiple classifications of driver’s licenses that restrict how they can be used.
To be a professional driver, you need a commercial driver’s license along with endorsements that require additional training. The training and testing requirements for the commercial driver’s license are regulated at the federal government level.
The driver’s license is recognized statewide, which means that a license obtained in one state allows you to drive a vehicle in any other state in the country.
There is also an international driver’s license, which allows you to drive in other regions, however, to obtain one, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country.
Obtaining a driver’s license is a straightforward process in most jurisdictions, however, for issuers and holders, the driver’s license is perhaps the most important document to possess.
In most states, to obtain a driver’s license, you may first need to have a learner’s permit. The learner’s permit allows you to drive for a limited time while practicing or doing driver education. The minimum age requirement varies from 14 in some states to 17 in other states, and there may also be graduated license laws that restrict certain driving privileges. There are certain documents, such as birth certificates and social security numbers that are required along with a photo ID.
In some areas, the driver’s license test is comprised of both a written and a practical or behind-the-wheel driving test. It is now possible to practice or take the test online as many states now publish a drivers manual that lists all the necessary qualifications required.
To take the test, it is a simple procedure like making an appointment at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. In many situations, a written and vision test is required when applying for an original driver’s license or moving to a different classification. Driver’s licenses typically expire five years after issuance, and renewal notices are sent to addresses on file approximately two months before the expiration date.
The license can be suspended and driving privileges can be lost for various reasons which may include a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). It is against the law to drive or operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than 0.08% or 0.04% for commercial vehicles. In some states, you can be sentenced to up to 6 months in prison and monetary fines between $400 and $1,000 plus 3 times the fine assessed on fines for a first conviction.
There has been considerable debate about whether the revocation of driving privileges is constitutional or a successful deterrent in reducing DWI occurrences.
Your driver’s license is now considered the most important document to have in your possession at all times, even when you’re not driving. It is often used as the primary form of identification, as there are other forms of personal information that are attached and from which it can be retrieved.