Since 5 p.m. last Thursday, drivers must be at least 16 years old to get a license in Idaho - one of the last states to allow 14-year-olds behind the wheel.
Idaho Transportation Department workers say they have been flooded with telephone calls since the State Legislature passed the law last spring.Some 14- and 15-year-olds will be allowed to drive under strictly defined circumstances outlined in a special permit, while 15-year-olds will be allowed to drive with a licensed adult during daylight hours.
However, only 16-year-olds who have passed driver's education will get a license with full privileges. Those without driver's education must wait until they are 16 1/2 to apply.
Driver's training will still be offered to 14- to 18-year-olds, officials said.
Bills to raise the driving age had failed since 1979 until a groundswell of support last year overcame arguments - mostly from those living in rural areas - that the driver's age should not be changed.
Concerns focused mostly on safety. Statistics showed that in 1987, 14- and 15-year-olds accounted for 1.5 percent of Idaho drivers, but were involved in 4.1 percent of all accidents and 4.8 percent of fatal accidents.