(Area) Shelby McCreedy, Iowa State Patrol Trooper and District 4 Public Information Officer, is reminding students and parents about the rules and restrictions of a school permit.
In order to obtain a school permit, you must be at least 14 ½ years old, you need to have an instruction permit, you need to complete an Iowa approved Driver’s Education course, and you must have a clean driving record for at least six months prior to applying for a school permit. You must live one mile or more from the school you attend, unless a special need exists. If you have more than one residence, the one that determines whether you qualify or not is the one you live at the majority of the time. If you qualify, there is a form that you have to fill out and give to your school; they will sign off on it and then you take it to your driver’s license issuing office to get your permit.
Trooper McCreedy explains what you can do with a school permit…
The activities must be at the school you are enrolled in, so driving out of town on a school permit to watch an activity is not okay. However….
You can drive to and from your home to the closest bus stop. You can stop and get fuel while you are on your route or go to the closest filling station.
You cannot drive to work on a school permit, you cannot use a cell phone, and you cannot have more than one minor passenger in your vehicle that is not a relative.
Trooper McCreedy said your license can be suspended if you are convicted of a traffic violation or a violation of your restriction.
McCreedy said driving is a privilege and not a right, and that privilege can be taken away.
