AUTO CLUB CLASSES FOR TEENS OFFERED PROGRAM SEEKS PARENTS' COMMITMENT.

Byline: Eugene Tong Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Classes targeting novice drivers will be offered at the Auto Club's local office as stricter driving laws for the pre-18 set have taken effect.

The classes conducted by the Automobile Club of Southern California, which will begin Thursday, require parents to attend an hourlong orientation with the student. They also are encouraged to stay involved and help their teenagers practice behind the wheel.

``It requires a lot more of a commitment from the parents,'' said Jim Hiller, the school's operator. ``A lot of driving schools make (parents) a plus factor - they try to rush the kids through. Our emphasis is on safe driving, not just passing a DMV test.''

The Auto Club operates schools in 10 other cities including Burbank, Diamond Bar, Long Beach and Riverside. A school in Redlands is in the works.

The Auto Club chose Santa Clarita to relieve Burbank, where classes are always packed, said Hiller, an 11-year driving-school veteran with the Los Angeles Unified School District, who has worked with the club for the past five years.

``Our (Burbank) classes are full right through April,'' he said. ``There is so much population and so much demand, we could expand.

``One guy does hold the record - his parents drove down from Frazier Park to take him to driver's training. We do have a couple from Lancaster, too. Obviously, Santa Clarita will be much closer for them.''

The Santa Clarita school will open just as Assembly Bill 1474 goes into effect. It requires motorists younger than 18 to be off the road between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first year of their license. They also will be restricted from carrying passengers younger than 20 unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old.

The previous law passed in 1997 made it illegal for teen motorists under 18 to drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and from transporting those younger than 20 in the first six months after being licensed.

Teenagers who obtained their license from the Department of Motor Vehicles before today are still subject to the new law if they have less than a year's experience. Violators face a $35 fine for a first offense and $50 for the second. Exceptions are granted for going to school, work or in emergencies.

The tougher laws are intended to give teens more driving experience before taking on California's hectic roadways alone. Car crashes are the main cause of death for teens, according to the Auto Club, which supported tightening the state's graduate driver's license law.

The Auto Club has said the number of crashes involving the state's 16-year-old drivers are nearly 13 percent higher between 11 p.m. and midnight considering the amount of driving they do at that hour.

The Auto Club classes operate with these laws in mind, giving a seat to parents and other adults who are now expected to spend even more time supervising their teenagers on the road.

``We ask them to do their practice driving at home in conjunction with what we do,'' Hiller said. ``When we do residential streets, you keep them on residential streets.

``But the biggest role parents can play is more or less be safe and responsible drivers themselves. ... The children will mirror the parents' driving habits.''

Each class covers 30 hours of classroom study with between six hours and 10 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. Two sections are offered every two months, with enrollment limited to 21 students, Hiller said.

The classes, which are restricted to members' families, cost $349, which includes six hours in the driver's seat; or $479 for 10 hours. Discounts are available depending on level of membership.

Sandra Smith, an instructor at the Burbank school who will run classes in Santa Clarita, has seen her share of hairy situations on the road, which requires both her experience and teamwork with students to overcome.

``Every day is an adventure,'' she said. ``You've got to be supportive of their learning. We really work as a team. You get to know the student, you get to know the parents.

``When you finish a whole series and they get ready to get their license, they give you a hug.

``It's not just they're getting a license, they've worked through it, they're really proud, and their parents are thankful, too.''

Eugene Tong, [phone]

eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com