New law speeds up drivers license process for minors

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Forget the long lines at the DMV office. A new state law allows minors to take the drivers license exam from a driver education instructor instead of going to the drivers license office.

Senate Bill 1705 authorized the Department of Public Safety to allow certified driving instructors to administer the exam beginning September 1, 2014.

Teen drivers who passed exam will still have to go to the DMV office to turn in the paperwork and get their official license.

The new law does help teens avoid having to stand in long lines, in some instances for hours, as they wait to take their driving road skills test at the DMV.