Oklahoma (OK) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Much like the rest of the U.S., in the state of Oklahoma, car crashes are the leading cause of injuries and death among teens, specifically 16-19 year olds. In fact, the car accident risk for this age group is four times the risk for any other group of drivers on the roads today. In response to these unsettling facts, all states across the U.S., including Oklahoma, have adopted some form of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. Since May of 1999, Oklahoma teens have made their way through Oklahoma’s GDL system, beginning at age 15. Continue reading to learn more about Oklahoma’s Graduated Driver Licensing system and the conditions of the program.

Oklahoma Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

In the state of Oklahoma, teens can begin the journey to full unrestricted licensing at the age of 15. Oklahoma’s Graduated Driver Licensing system begins with a “no permit required” practice-driving phase. During this time, the teen may practice driving with a driving instructor until he reaches the age of 15 ½. The next step in the process is the learner permit phase. To apply for a learner permit, you must be:

•    At least 15 ½ years of age
•    Enrolled in a state approved driver education course or successfully completed a course

If you are 16 years of age, you may obtain a learner permit without the driver education course. In addition to the requirements listed above, you must pass a written test and vision screening. You must also bring the following documents to any Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license exam station:

•    Specific document proof of legal presence in the U.S.
•    Proof of full legal name
•    Proof of birth date

The only acceptable forms of identification are certified or original copies of documents and ID cards.

The next phase in Oklahoma’s GDL system is the intermediate license phase. In order to obtain an intermediate license, you must hold the learner permit for no less than 6 months. In addition, you must have 40 hours of behind-the-wheel-training under your belt, with 10 hours at night and you must pass a written driver skills test. You cannot obtain an intermediate license of you have traffic convictions on your driving record. You must hold the intermediate license for 6 months before applying for a State of Oklahoma unrestricted license. If you have not taken a driver education course, you must hold the intermediate license for 12 months.

Oklahoma Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Under the terms of the learner permit, a licensed driver must accompany the driver age 21 or older at all times. Under the terms of the intermediate license, drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless,

•    Accompanied by an adult age 21 or older
•    You are driving to or from school-related activities
•    You are driving to and from work

If you violate any of the conditions of the learner permit or intermediate phases, your licensing could be delayed or your driving privileges may be suspended altogether.

Oklahoma Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

So far, it is still legal to talk or text while driving in the state of Oklahoma. The state has attempted to pass several bills banning the practice, but as of July 2009, several bills had not been heard. Collectively, the bills would have banned texting and talking on cell phones for all teens. For adults, hands-free devices would have been mandatory. Fines for violating the law would have been $200-$500.

While there are currently no real limits on cell phone use while driving in the state of Oklahoma, all drivers, especially beginners and teens, should use common sense when it comes to talking on a cell phone while driving. Pull over to a safe place if you must make or take a call.

Oklahoma Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Oklahoma, if you are under 21, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% means, “zero tolerance” in Oklahoma. A BAC of 0.02% is equal to as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict an Oklahoma teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you face some of the same penalties as adults. You could lose your driving privileges for up to 30 days or more for a first offense and you face fines up to $1,000 and roughly $300 in fees. For second offenses, in addition to the penalties listed above, you may also find yourself in a juvenile detention center for 10 days up to a year.

Oklahoma Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

Whether you are an adult or a teen, in the state of Oklahoma you must carry auto insurance at all times. There are no exceptions to this rule. All Oklahoma drivers must carry at least the minimum auto liability coverage amounts established by state law. Oklahoma currently requires minimum auto liability insurance in the amount of 25/50/25. This translates to $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for injury or death of two or more persons, and $25,000 for property damage. When operating a motor vehicle in the state of Oklahoma, you must carry proof of insurance at all times.

Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, Oklahoma auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.