Thousands of young drivers are killed each year. Some blame inexperience. Now, as Jessica Kartalija reports, the MVA is making sure students are really ready when they hit the open road.

Student drivers, beware. Before you hit the open road, you'll have to pass a test on one.

"What we're hoping is that we get a truer sense of how ready this individual is to drive," said MVA Spokesperson Buel Young.

In addition to a writing test and driving course test, students will have to ace the real thing.

"We're looking at getting a more accurate assessment of how ready someone is to drive. By putting them in traffic, we can get how they are going to act in a real-time situation," Young said.

The MVA tried the new test in Frederick and Waldorf and it was a huge success.

Driving instructor Rick Avila says the current test is clearly outdated.

"The test, the way it is now, teaches people how to park and turn around in a small space. They need to learn how to drive and it needs to be proven they can drive in an actual traffic situation," Avila said.

The MVA is also updating the written exam but student drivers say they're not too worried.

"They make it easy, like the teachers and everything. It's just basics," said Dominic Kruse.

Maryland is one of many states revising their driving exams.

"Parents are for this. They understand that we want to get a true assessment of how the individual will react in traffic so they think it's a good thing," Young said.

The General Assembly passed a law extending the time drivers must have learning permits from six months to nine months.




What you guys think of this? I think its a good thing in my eyes.

 

http://wjz.com/seenon/young.drivers.....2.988686.html

 

I'm glad i got my lisence before that stuff. lol

 

I got my initial license in PA almost 15 years ago and had to pass the exam on the street. I cant imagine why MD wouldn't already have this. So yeah, its a good idea. All the states need to make these exams and tests much harder IMO. As they stand now, its a joke.

 

ya in va its a joke as well. i went up 2 stop lights came back and was done. only 3 or so cars passed me so traffic was no issue at all. cant complain tho