What Graduated Driver License Programs Mean for TeensThere are usually several steps before a full license is granted.
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In an effort to curb the exorbitantly high accident rates, most states have instituted graduated license programs for new, teenage drivers. Indeed, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds. Graduated Driver License (GDL) programs, while differing greatly from state to state, all center on the following three-step system:
Step 1: An Elongated Learner's Permit
Teen drivers are required to apply for and hold a learner's permit for six months to a year. During this time period, they can drive only under the supervision of an older, experienced driver. Seat belts are required and some passenger restrictions are made.
Step 2: Provisional Driver License
After the learner's permit period is complete, a written exam and driving test are administered. Upon passing the exams young drivers are issued a provisional license that allows them to drive without direct supervision, but with a varying degree of limitations. Common restrictions include:
- Night driving. Driving curfews are common during the provisional license period. Sometimes, a driver is allowed to drive at night, but only under supervision or for specific purposes like work or school.
- Limited passengers. Passengers are often restricted to family members only. Studies have shown that teens are more likely to be involved in an accident if there are other teens in the vehicle.
- Cell phone usage. While many states have banned cell phone use for all licensed drivers, some place special restrictions on provisional license holders.
Step 3: Full License
Once the provisional stage is complete, drivers are upgraded to full status. Generally, drivers have to maintain a record free of accidents or tickets with special attention to drug- and alcohol-related violations.
Graduated license laws can be a nuisance for new drivers, but it's hard to argue with results. Florida adopted the first GDL program in 1996 and other states quickly followed suit. Since that time, there has been a substantial reduction in vehicle-related teenage deaths. With any luck, the provisions taken to ensure the safety of teens will similarly help their sky-high insurance rates.
All but five states (Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota and North Dakota) have adopted at least some of these principles. The following is a chart that details the laws of each state:
Graduated License Laws, State by State (1) As of December 2008
| Graduated License Laws, State by State(1) As of December 2008 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Permit Length | Provisional License | Night Driving Restriction(3) | Passenger Restrictions(4) | Cell Phone(5) |
| Alabama | 6 months | X | X | X | |
| Alaska | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Arizona | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Arkansas | 6 | X | |||
| California | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Colorado | 12 | X | X | X | talk |
| Connecticut | 6 | X | X | X | talk |
| Delaware | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| D.C. | 6 | X | X | X | talk |
| Florida | 12 | X | X | ||
| Georgia | 12 | X | X | X | |
| Hawaii | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Idaho | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Illinois | 9 | X | X | X | talk |
| Indiana | 2 | X | X | X | |
| Iowa | 6 | X | X | ||
| Kansas | 6 | ||||
| Kentucky | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Louisiana | 6 | X | X | talk | |
| Maine | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Maryland | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Massachusetts | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Michigan | 6 | X | X | ||
| Minnesota | 6 | X | X | X | talk |
| Mississippi | 6 | X | X | ||
| Missouri | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Montana | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Nebraska | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Nevada | 6 | X | X | X | |
| New Hampshire | 3(6) | X | X | X | |
| New Jersey | 6 | X | X | X | talk |
| New Mexico | 6 | X | X | X | |
| New York | 6(7) | X | X | X | |
| North Carolina | 12 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| North Dakota | 6 | ||||
| Ohio | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Oklahoma | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Oregon | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Pennsylvania | 6 | X | X | ||
| Rhode Island | 6 | X | X | X | talk |
| South Carolina | 6 | X | X | X | |
| South Dakota | 6 | X | X | ||
| Tennessee | 6 | X | X | X | talk |
| Texas | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Utah | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Vermont | 12 | X | X | ||
| Virginia | 9 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Washington | 6 | X | X | X | |
| West Virginia | 6 | X | X | X | talk, text |
| Wisconsin | 6 | X | X | X | |
| Wyoming | 10 days | X | X | X | |
|
(1) Designed to aid young novice drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 gain driving experience. To date they apply only to drivers under the age of 18. All states have lower blood alcohol content laws for under-21 drivers which range from none to 0.02, in contrast with 0.08 for drivers over the age of 21 in all states. (2) Graduated licensing as defined by the National Highway traffic Safety Administration. (3) Vary by state with regard to age of driver, night hours that driving is restricted, who must accompany driver during night hours and how long and what stage the restrictions are lifted. Exceptions may be made for work, school or religious activities and emergencies. (4) Limits the number of teenage passengers a young driver may have in the vehicle. (5) Only includes states with prohibitions for novices, including limits based on age. (6) New Hampshire does not issue learner's permits. The minimum holding period refers to the intermediate license for 16-and 17-year-olds for the first 3 only. (7) Minimum holding period applies to the limited junior driver license for permit holders who pass a road test and certify 20 or more hours of practice; with some restrictions. Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; U.S. Department of transportation, National Highway traffic Safety Administration; National Conference of State Legislatures; Insurance Information Institute. Table Adapted From the Insurance Information Institute (iii.org) |
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