A bill in the Ohio House would delay how soon teens can get their driver’s licenses.

The House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee is scheduled to discuss a bill Wednesday, Oct. 26, that would make teens wait six more months before they can get behind the wheel.

Sponsored by Rep. Tom Raga, R-Mason, the measure – HB343 – would change Ohio law so teens would have to wait until they turn 16 before they can get their temporary instruction permit. Existing law allows youngsters to get behind the wheel at 15 years and six months.

The permit must be held for six months before taking the driver’s test. So, Raga’s proposal would require new drivers to wait until six months after their 16th birthday to obtain a probationary license.

Raga said he is pushing to raise the driver permit age because he has seen one too many articles about teen crashes in his southwest Ohio district lately.

In 2004, those 20 years or younger caused more accidents than any other age group, the Dayton Daily News reported.

The bill would also restrict driving for those under age 18. It would outlaw driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. – a restriction now in place for those under 17 – and bar driving around with other teens.

In addition, it would limit drivers younger than 18 to transporting only one person who is not a family member.