I saw an automobile insurance advertisement on a city bus that said “No Driver License? No Problem!” Now, that’s very disturbing to me. I always thought that you actually need a driver license to insure a vehicle. That just makes sense.

Someone told me just yesterday that she was broadsided by a non-resident who ran a red light. The woman was driving someone else’s car, which was insured, but the woman did not have a driver license and did not speak English. I’m sure the incident was absolutely terrifying for the visitor to our country. She likely had no idea of the extent that the law might punish her, like in other countries (maybe even her own country) since she was at fault. Thankfully, the woman she hit was not injured. But within a few days of the accident, the foreign woman was claiming that she was actually injured in the crash. In addition to the injury claim, she also created other diversions, likely trying to avoid the “no driver license” issue. So, what is the law regarding being licensed to drive?

Driving without a license is a misdemeanor. And the consequences of driving without a license becomes more severe if the offense is repeated.  The first offense is no greater than a $200 fine. The fine increases with each subsequent offense. The third offense, along with a hefty fine, often results in jail time.  If a minor gets caught without a driver license, the total penalties will also include a towing fee, impound fee and court fee. Additionally, the offense will directly affect the time period until the minor can obtain their license at 16. Community service hours and a little time in the “juvee” may be added by the judge. The parents could also be held liable and charged with negligence, if they knowingly allowed their child to drive.  Driving with a suspended license, although also a misdemeanor, is a more serious offense and generally carries more severe penalties.

Oh, and about that woman?  Apparently, an undocumented immigrant is not permitted to obtain a driver license in Texas.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

No Driver License – Comedy Defensive Driving             

Category: Uncategorized

Author: Daun Thompson

Daun Thompson has spent years acting in both film and theatre which has been paramount in launching her onto the comedy stage (incidentally, without a helmet, resulting in a nasty concussion). Being a funny girl is a full time job. A job that she hopes that one day will come with dental benefits and a 401K. Unlike her work, she is biodegradable, yet flame retardant. And gentle to the touch. Her goal in life??? For strangers to approach her and ask "Didn't you used to be somebody?" In the late 1980's she cut her teeth at the Velveeta Room on 6th Street in Austin, Texas ... the original room with the stripper pole. From there, she moved to northern California and worked with many comedy icons, like Mitch Hedberg, Marc Maron, Colin Quinn, Vic Dunlop, Huck Flyn, Michael Mancini, Doug Ferrari, Shang and Brian Posehn. Daun has been a licensed driver safety instructor and trainer with Comedy Defensive Driving for over 9 years. Her knowledge of driving safety laws keeps her readers informed and engaged with her blog adventures. She still continues to do stand-up comedy, sometimes in a reclining position...just to be different.