Graduated Driver
Licensing Laws

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Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a system that limits a new driver’s exposure to high-risk situations by using driving restrictions and delaying licensing.

GDL laws can be different in different states. The states that follow the recommendations of GDL most completely include the following phases in their GDL law:

1. 1. The first phase is a supervised learner’s period that lasts at least six months. This is also referred to as the "learner's permit" stage. Under GDL, beginning drivers must first obtain a learner's permit which allows them to drive only while supervised by a licensed driver. The learner's permit must be held for a specified time period, and in some cases, a minimum amount of supervised driving is also required during this phase. Research has shown that learner’s permit requirements contribute substantially to the safety benefits of GDL. Crash rates for drivers with learning permits are much lower than those of newly licensed drivers.
2. 2. The second phase under GDL is an intermediate period. This phase starts after completing learner’s permit requirements and passing a skills test. This is also referred to as the "provisional licensure" stage. The provisional license restricts unsupervised driving in some higher-risk situations, such as late night driving and driving with teen passengers.
3. 3. The full licensure stage grants full privileges, available after successfully completing the first two stages.