Tougher driver's license testing is coming soon

As an Idaho driver license examiner, I feel it is only fair to alert Bonner County drivers, and those becoming licensed drivers, of new tougher testing coming in the near future. After the new test becomes effective, turning into the wrong lane (the first lane going the direction you are turning) will be an immediate failure. Making any error four times during the test, for example, not stopping behind a crosswalk line, cutting corners or making wide turns and such will be a disqualification.

Parents should follow these laws as well. Your son or daughter who has completed driver ed will have to wait six months to take the driving test unless they are over 17. During those six months of practice, they are observing your driving habits and consequently drive the way you do and not the way they were taught in driver ed.

Being a license examiner, I spend a lot of time riding around town during tests and am appalled at the driving habits of most drivers, who do such things as turning into the wrong lane at intersections, not stopping at stop signs or red lights, not stopping behind crosswalks, etc, etc., etc.

Just a heads up … not only for your child’s sake, but for everyone’s, please brush up on the traffic laws and do your best to follow them. The driver’s manual is available online as well as at the local driver’s license office.

ROBERT ASHBROOK

Ponderay