News @ Noon: New Year, New Rules for Would-Be Teenage Drivers [AUDIO]

UNDATED - Starting January 1st, parents will be required to play a more active role, before their teens can get their driver's license. All driving schools will have to offer a parent awareness class..

Gordy Pehrson is a Traffic Safety Coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  He says the parent awareness class will also give them several resources and tools.

Also, teens will be required to spend more practice time behind the wheel. Currently it's 30 hours, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Next year it will be 40 hours, with at least 15 hours at night - if the parent attends a parent awareness class.  If they don't attend that class, then the teen must have 50 hours of practice time, with at least 15 hours at night.

Another big change, all of those hours must be logged.