Students’ conversations are slowly transitioning to the topic of growing up and getting their permits and hardship licenses. With sophomores turning 15 and 16, driving and licensing have become a bigger deal to them for many reasons, including residency. 

Many Texas High sophomores reside outside of the school district limits, resulting in them not having access to bus transportation and instead having to get their parents to wake up early to bring them to school each morning.

“There are many different reasons you can apply and get accepted,” sophomore Sidney Karr said. “You can have economic hardships, disabled family members, or anything of the sort.” “I do not live inside of the district, and everyone in my house has work hours that interfere with school hours, so I didn’t have a ride then.”

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, teens between the ages of 15-17 are required to go through certain regulations before getting their permits, and before that, they have to go through the steps of taking the class at the age of 14. After those many steps, you’re finally eligible to apply.

“Basically, I completed all of my online tests needed for my permit, then went to the DMV and picked up an application for a hardship license.” Karr said. “Once it was accepted, I had to take a regular driving test in a car, and once I passed, I received my hardship license.” 

Though there are a few issues at hand over this subject of permits, Karr brought to light that because of her getting her permit, it helped her be able to do way more with that freedom. With Karr receiving her permit, she’s even able to do way more now.

“It made me self-sufficient,” Karr said. “I was only able to get a job and participate in clubs/school events  because I can drive myself there and back, [so it pretty much worked out].”