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AAA opposes driver‑education bill that would let parents use apps for behind‑the‑wheel hours
Summary
AAA testified in opposition to House Bill 463, saying allowing parents to replace up to half of behind‑the‑wheel training with app‑based instruction risks weakening proven safety outcomes and lacks independent evidence; the committee discussed age and permit changes and app testing requirements.
Mike Belcourt of AAA urged the committee to oppose House Bill 463, which would permit parents or other qualified adults to substitute up to four of the eight required behind‑the‑wheel hours with instruction supported by an electronic device or application. Belcourt told members that professional instructors are trained to identify unsafe behaviors and that current evidence is insufficient to show app‑based instruction yields equal safety outcomes.
Belcourt recommended caution about lowering the temporary permit age and said the practical value of a technology substitution remains unproven. Committee members asked about costs (Belcourt estimated instructor‑led courses range from roughly $350 to $900 depending on region) and whether the Department of Public Safety's approval would provide adequate safeguards; AAA supported testing and independent evaluation before broad adoption.
The bill stood as the third hearing and written testimony from additional opponents was included in the record.
