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by Jim Fell
To address the young driver problem, traffic safety officials from several organizations developed a licensing system that prolongs the learning process for beginning drivers and restricts their driving to less risky conditions. GDL systems are an entry-level licensing program in the United States that give young beginning drivers more time to learn the complex skills required to drive a motor vehicle safely. GDL laws now exist in all 50 states and DC.
These laws generally require three-staged licensing for novice drivers:
- a learner’s permit for some period where the teen must practice driving with a licensed driver aged 21 or older;
- an intermediate or provisional stage where the teen can drive solo, but only under certain conditions (e.g., provisions in most states restrict late-night driving and the number of teen passengers allowed in the car); and finally
- a full license with no restrictions (in some states, at the minimum age of 18).
Studies of GDL systems in the states have indicated they help reduce the crash rates of young drivers.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) has rated GDL systems in the states using criteria that represent their strength and potential effectiveness in reducing fatal and serious injuries. According to the IIHS, the key components of GDL laws in the states are:
- the minimum entry age (1 point for learner’s entry age 16 or older);
- mandatory holding period (2 points for 6 months; 1 point for 3-5 months; none for less than 3 months);
- minimum amount of supervised driving (1 point for 30 hours or more; none for less than 30 hours);
- minimum age for the intermediate or provisional license stage (recommended to be 17);
- night driving restriction (2 points for 9 or 10 pm; 1 point for after 10 pm);
- passenger limitation (2 points for 1 or 0 underage passengers; 1 point for 2 passengers; none for 3 passengers; and
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age of full licensure when night and passenger restrictions are lifted (recommended to be 18) (www.iihs.org). To learn more about this potentially life saving law and to insure that you and your teen driver (if you have one) are following the law read more.
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