Oklahoma now requires teens to complete work zone safety course

Jana Hayes, The Oklahoman
Updated ·2 min read
Oklahoma is now the first in the nation to require a work zone safety and first responder safety course for teen drivers with the new law taking effect Nov. 1.
Oklahoma is now the first in the nation to require a work zone safety and first responder safety course for teen drivers with the new law taking effect Nov. 1.

Oklahoma teens hoping to get behind the wheel now have one extra step in obtaining their driver's license, according to a new state law.

Oklahoma is now the first in the nation to require a work zone safety and first responder safety course for teen drivers with the new law taking effect Nov. 1. Teens must complete the free online course before applying for their intermediate driver's license, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation said in a release.

Here's what to know about how the new law affects the driver's license process.

Do I have to take the Work Zone Safe course to get my license in Oklahoma?

Yes, starting Nov. 1, 2023, drivers age 15 through 19 will be required to turn in a certificate of completion to Service Oklahoma to obtain their intermediate license.

How to take the new Oklahoma Work Zone Safe course

The course can be taken anytime, just make sure you are enrolling in the Oklahoma-specific course found at workzonesafe.com.

It will take about 45 to 60 minutes to complete, and consists of reading, videos and quizzes.

A few incentives for teens completing the course, besides being able to get their license, include:

  • Teens can opt-in to be entered to win a $500 educational scholarship

  • Teens can qualify for a safe driver discount from Rondon Insurance

  • Oklahoma students receive a free 60-minute jump pass from Sky Zone in Edmond

Why the Work Zone Safe course was created

Ribbon-shape markers were placed outside the Oklahoma Department of Transportation building to symbolize the people who have lost their lives in work zone accidents.
Ribbon-shape markers were placed outside the Oklahoma Department of Transportation building to symbolize the people who have lost their lives in work zone accidents.

The course, Work Zone Safe, was created by Tom Robins and also is being offered to teen drivers across the nation, though Oklahoma is the only state to require it.

Robins said right now, the roads are full of "digitally drunk" drivers.

"This program is designed to teach young drivers how their driving can impact themselves and others forever," Robins said.

There were 91 motorists killed in state highway and turnpike work zone crashes over the last five years, according to the release. Ten of those were young drivers, the department said.

"With car crashes being one of the leading causes of deaths for U.S. teenagers, it’s imperative that new drivers understand the importance of driving safely inside work zones and moving over and slowing down for first responders," the department said.

In total, the Transportation Department and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority have lost 72 employees in the line of duty in their history, more than any other state agency besides the military, according to the release.

"Everyone deserves to come home safe every day," Robins said. "When it comes to work zones and sharing the road with first responders safely, drivers need to have eyes up, phones down, buckle up and slow down."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma teen drivers now required to complete work zone safety course