Graduated driver licensing (GDL) is a slowed-down licensing process for teens that eases them into full driving privileges over time, rather than granting full driving privileges all at once. It forces teens to gain driving experience under safer conditions, before allowing them to move on to riskier situations. The purpose is to reduce accidents and deaths in teen drivers. Each state, and the District of Columbia, have some form of graduated licensing in place, but it is not standardized across the country, so the rules and requirements vary greatly. If your teen is near driving age, we strongly encourage you to learn the rules in your state now, to avoid surprises down the road.
Graduated Driver Licensing Basics
The idea of GDL is to slowly introduce new privileges, preferably after they have practiced under supervision. Most states have a minimum requirement for supervised driving hours before a teen can move from a learner’s permit to a driver’s license that allows them to drive alone. 50 hours is the most common requirement. Some states require that a certain number of those hours be at night. Parents must certify that the supervised driving hours took place.
Once a teen earns his or her license, it is typical for the state to prohibit or limit night driving and carrying passengers who are under 18 or 21, unless driving under adult supervision. Then, slowly privileges are increased over time. Some states have specific exceptions to these restrictions for driving to school, work, and extracurricular activities.
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