Mass. Teen Driving Bill Advances

Teens longing to get out on the open road would have to hang up their cell phones and log more hours in behind-the-wheel training before they would be able to get their drivers’ licenses, under a bill passed by the Senate Thursday.

The bill would double the number of hours a student spends behind the wheel during driver’s education programs from six hours to 12. It would also increase the number of supervised hours a new driver must spend with a parent or other experienced driver from 12 hours to 40 hours.

The Senate also added a provision prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 from using their cell phones while on the road.

Originally lawmakers were weighing the contentious issue of raising the driving age from 16 1/2 to 17 1/2 — the highest in the nation — but that failed to generate enough support.

The House approved a similar bill to the Senate’s last month. Both chambers must still take final action before the legislation can go to the governor.