DAVENPORT, Iowa — New Iowa legislation that takes effect July 1 now allows students within the state to obtain a driver's license for work at the age of 14 and a half.
These students could already get a license to drive to school, but the rule was changed due to Senate File 2109, enacted during the 2024 legislative session.
The new legislation included changes like children now being able to drive to work, increasing the number of residences they are allowed to drive to and from, and stricter penalties for traffic offenses committed while using the license, according to Iowa Department of Transportation officials.
The name of the license has also changed from Minor School License to Special Minor's Restricted License.
"They're able to drive to school and drive to work. It used to be you had to be 16 to drive to work, and now you can be 14 and a half" Steve Vernon, owner of AAAA Driving School in Davenport, said. "It's gonna be riskier for everybody, night time driving, sports in the morning. They're inexperienced, I mean they're gonna get their license then 2 days later they're gonna be driving. It puts a lot more kids on the road during the summertime, that's for sure.
Teens and parents will need to fill out special forms when applying for this license, including school verification and more. Drivers will need to keep some of those documents in their car when traveling to certain locations.
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Transportation website.