What Time Is Considered Nighttime Driving For Driver's Training?

As you work to get your driver's license, you know most states follow the Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. During the driver's training process, new drivers will obtain their learner's permit and once that is in hand, they will be able to start practicing their driving skills.

Part of that driving practice will consist of completing a certain number of hours at night. However, many teens and parents want to know what time is considered nighttime driving for driver's training? We take a look at the question today!

Behind-The-Wheel Training

After completing the Driver's Ed course and obtaining your learner's permit, it is now time to take what you learned and apply it on the road! It is time to start behind-the-wheel training, which can be done with a professional instructor or your parent/guardian. This is a stressful time and many emotions can come out while learning to drive, but always remember that practice makes perfect. The more you drive, the better you will become.

With your learners permit, you will be allowed to learn how to drive with an adult licensed driver. Each state has different rules and regulations of who that adult licensed driver can be, so make sure to check your state guidelines.

Nighttime Driving Hours

Before obtaining your driver's license, you will have to complete a certain number of hours driving on the road. The specific amount of hours needed to complete varies for each state. This can range from 40 to 120 hours of driving experience.

As stated above, part of those hours include nighttime driving hours. In fact, it's actually required as part of the 40 to 120 hours of total driving experience. Depending on the state, ten hours of nighttime driving will likely be enough to meet the requirements.

What Time Is Considered Nighttime Driving?

Since it is a requirement in most states to practice driving at night, what does the DMV consider nighttime driving hours? For this, the exact answer to this question varies by state. There is not one set time that applies to every state.

Usually, it's considered nighttime driving when you drive between an hour after sunset and an hour before sunrise. In Texas, nighttime hours is the period starting 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise. In the end, you just want to make sure you are driving when it is dark outside, as you need practice behind the wheel in those situations.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.