DENVER -- Lawmakers on Wednesday are considering a bill that would make it illegal for teens with driver's permits to use a cell phone while driving.

Surveys show that about one in five teen drivers will be involved in an accident within the first year of driving, and the chances of an accident occurring increases with the use of a cell phone, especially when dialing, proponents of the bill said.

The proposed bill would prohibit young drivers from using a cell phone until they've obtained their driver's license.

"Cell phones are a major distraction. When you're learning to drive, you need to hang up and learn to drive," said Rep. Michael Garcia. "I think this bill will improve the safety on our highways. It's a common sense measure."

Most of the young drivers 7NEWS spoke with seem to agree with the proposal.

"It is so difficult to drive with distractions, even people in the car, let alone a cell phone," said 21-year-old Sarah McKelvey.

"Once you learn to drive, it's not that hard, but when you're first learning, it requires a lot of concentration," said 18-year-old Sara Rabin.

Under the bill, driving while talking would be a secondary offense punishable with a $15 fine and one lost point on a driver's license. The bill's first hearing is set for Feb. 3.

Last session, a measure that would have banned all drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel failed for the second year in a row.

This current state bill was prompted at the federal level. The National Transportation Safety Board is asking each state to pass legislation that would ban use of cell phone for all minor drivers.