In the past, officials have focused on ways to educate young drivers on traffic laws and responsibilities associated with driving. Far too often, children can run into legal trouble for traffic violations, DUI or driving without a valid license. It would be very unfortunate for a child to have his or her license suspended soon after receiving it.

More and more, minor traffic violations are resulting in the suspension or revocation of driving privileges. Illinois officials want to educate young drivers in an attempt to reduce the chance of getting in an accident.

As it is now, a person can walk into the DMV when they are 18 years old, take a written test and a driving test and leave with a valid license. What is disconcerting about this situation is that by waiting until age 18 to get a license, teens sidestep the instruction and education courses that younger drivers must attend.

The recent introduction of the graduated driver's license in Illinois has proven to be effective in reducing violations and accidents in younger teen drivers. With more adult supervision and limitations on driving time, younger drivers are more closely monitored.

However, a person who waits until he or she is 18 years old to apply for a driver's license can bypass all that. Because of this, officials say more and more teen drivers are very inexperienced on the road. This inexperience can lead to tickets, traffic violations and accidents. Those with a valid driver's license may end up losing their driving privileges.

A number of solutions are being proposed, including the requirement for potential drivers to complete online courses. Until then, the likelihood that a teen will be involved in legal trouble remains. It does not mean that a child is a bad child; it simply means he or she made a mistake. There may be means of minimizing the damage that may be caused as a result of that mistake.

Source: CBS News, "New Regulations for Teen Drivers," Nick Gale, Jan. 23, 2012