New regulations governing new drivers go into effect today in Israel, July 1, 2013. A new driver must be accompanied by a veteran driver escort for a period of six months. One may begin driving lessons at the age of 16.5 and one may take one’s road test at the age of 16 and nine months.
A driver who successfully passes a driving test will be given a license that is valid for six months. After that period, during which the driver must have a veteran escort driver, the veteran driver will have to sign an affidavit that s/he accompanied the new driver for a minimum of 50 hours during the six months. Only then will the new driver be issued a new permanent drivers’ license.
Who qualifies as an escort driver?
Anyone 24-year-old and older and has a driving license for at least five years.
How much time does one need to accumulate with an escort driver?
One will have to document that during the six month probationary period, one drove a minimum of 50 escorted hours. This must include 15 hours non urban; 15 hours nighttime; and 20 hours urban. These are the minimum numbers required.
During the first three months one requires an escort round-the-clock but in the second three months, an escort is only required after dark.
Does everyone need an escort?
Any new driver under the age of 24 requires an escort.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
A country of strict safety nanny laws that still allows newborn infants to “ride” in a cab without a car seat.
Or how about awarding traffic violations to drivers in the right-turn-only lane from making a wicked left turn cutting off the cars in the middle and/or left lanes that are going straight or turning left.