Nineteen Illinois high schools want exemptions from the state’s new driver’s ed law. The measure requires students to have at least 6 hours of teacher-supervised road instruction. Karl Costello is with Niles North High School in Skokie, one of the schools applying for a waiver. He says students will feel more comfortable driving on the school’s practice lot than on the open road.

COSTELLO: That’s the way in life that you learn from your mistakes. And we don’t want people to be making mistakes out on the road where the damage is property or life and limb.

A spokesperson for Secretary of State Jesse White’s office says the secretary opposes the exemptions. He says the new law gives students important real world experience. The Illinois General Assembly must approve any exemptions of the law.