Traffic Offense Responsibility for Student Permit Drivers

Who is primarily responsible for a traffic offense committed by a student permit driver?

A) The student driver

B) The driving instructor

C) The owner of the vehicle

D) The Department of Motor Vehicles

Final answer:

The student permit driver is primarily responsible for any traffic offenses they commit. However, driving instructors or vehicle owners can sometimes bear secondary liability depending on local laws. The Department of Motor Vehicles is not liable for these offenses.

The responsibility for a traffic offense committed by a student permit driver generally lies with the student driver themselves (option A). This is because once a person obtains a student permit, they are expected to adhere to all general traffic laws and regulations. However, a driving instructor or owner of the vehicle may bear some form of secondary liability in some situations, for instance, if the vehicle was not maintained properly leading to the offense (option B and C), but this depends on specific local laws. The Department of Motor Vehicles (option D) is not liable, as they simply issue permits and licenses but do not assume responsibility for the actions of the permit holders.