A teen’s wait for his or her driving freedom just got longer and tougher.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed Jesse White’s Teen Driving Bill, SB 172, on Aug. 20, changing many driver education and new license holder requirements.

The main change the new law brings is the extension of the learner’s permit period from three to nine months, according to a press release.

“This makes Illinois possibly the state in the U.S. with the toughest teen driving laws,” said Blagojevich press secretary Gerardo Cardenas. “This was crafted and signed into law to help prevent teen crashes.”

Area high school students voiced their aggravation with the news of the stricter terms.

“I think that’s stupid,” said Renee Larson, 15, of DeKalb. “It’s really complicated because they keep changing the rules.”

Many teens see the new law as unfair for those who have yet to attain their driving privileges.

“It sucks because other people got to drive earlier than we do, and we have to wait,” said Stephanie Gonzalez, 14, of Cortland.

Some who would have gotten their licenses before winter now have to wait even longer.

“I have to wait a year,” said Donald Elliot, 15, of DeKalb. “It’s stupid.”

State Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Hinckley) said he voted for the bill.

“It has some good provisions,” Pritchard said. “Hopefully, these changes will move us in the right direction.”

Pritchard feels the stricter law will benefit teens enormously, as friends, cell phones and music now distract many young drivers.

“You’re looking at fewer passengers for a year, longer times for getting a driver’s license, and driving in more types of weather,” Pritchard said. “There’s too many distractions now, for young drivers.”

Cardenas was optimistic about the tougher laws and their effectiveness.

“We do believe it’s going to work,” Cardenas said. “We have seen the number of crashes decrease since the governor has been in office.”

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