History

The history of the driver's license in the United States started in Texas in 1936. Some areas unofficially distributed licenses prior to this, but Texas was the first state to officially distribute licenses. On April 1, 1936, the state mandated that all drivers go to their local tax assessor's office to purchase a license. At that time, there was not a written test or skills test. Through the years, states began to realize that age limits and skills tests were necessary to ensure that the drivers were safe. Slowly, all states began to require driver's licenses for all drivers, with Maine being the last in 1942.

Significance

The introduction of driver's license testing caused marked changes to the conduct of drivers. Prior to testing, anyone who had access to a vehicle could drive. While accidents weren't usually fatal, they were frequent. When driver's license testing was mandated in an area, the number of accidents decreased. As speed limits were raised and cars became faster, the number of accidents began to climb again. Overall, driver's licenses have made the roads safer due to the testing required to get a license.

Types

To get a driver's license, you must pass a written test and a skills test. The written test is meant to check your understanding of the laws. For example, one question on the test may ask you to identify the meaning of a sign, while another question asks you the order of right of way at an intersection. The skills test takes place on the road or on an obstacle course. You drive while an instructor monitors the way you drive, including your speed, signal usage and awareness level. In order to get a license, you must pass both tests.

Considerations

Prior to taking your driver's license test, you need to study. To study for the skills test, you will have to get a learner's permit so you can drive while you have a licensed driver in the vehicle. In most states, your permit is good only for 30 to 60 days.

Misconceptions

Some people believe that once you pass your driver's license test, you will never have to take it again. In some states, this is true. In other states, such as Arkansas, you have to take the driver's test if you forget to renew your license within 30 days of expiration. If you have a lot of accidents on your license or if your license is suspended, you will usually have to retake the test before you can get it back. Some states, such as Illinois, require that drivers take a written renewal exam every 50 years.