The Graduated Driver's License or GDL slows down the process of learning to drive a vehicle. Teens no longer receive their driver’s licenses right after they apply.
TL;DR - Graduated Licensing Programs
- Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) helps teens gain experience in three stages:
- Instruction Permit — age 15+, written/vision test, driver’s ed, ~50 supervised hours.
- Intermediate (Provisional) — 16–17, road test, limited passengers, curfew (e.g., no driving 10 p.m.–6 a.m.), zero tolerance for substances.
- Full License — typically 18 (or after 6–12 clean months), no restrictions.
- Each phase builds skills gradually while reducing crash risk.
- Comprehensive GDL programs can significantly lower teen crash rates.
- Parents are key: supervise hours, model safe habits, and enforce rules.
- Success comes from consistency, patience, and shared responsibility between parent and teen.
They receive them after completing three phases. This gives them the opportunity to learn more about driving in each phase so that they can gain experience and become safe drivers.
The Instruction Permit Phase
As the parent, you will be very important during this phase. You will be the one to supervise your teen while he or she is learning to drive. You must be in the passenger’s seat at all times while your teen is driving, and you will need to log at least 50 hours of driving practice.
Before your teen can apply for an instruction permit, he or she will need to be at least 15 years old. You will need to enroll them in a driver’s education course approved by your state. Lastly, they must also pass a written test and a vision test.
The Intermediate or Provisional Phase
Your teen will need to pass his or her driving test to enter this phase. The provisional phase offers a little more independence, but there are still restrictions. For example, a teen with a provisional license may not drive from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. They must also make sure to maintain a clean driving record, and they must not transport minor passengers unless an adult is supervising them.
After holding an instruction permit for at least 9 months, your teen will take a road test at age 16 or 17. Upon passing the road test, your teen will receive the provisional license. One of the restrictions is that only one non-familial passenger under the age of 20 may ride in the vehicle with them. Your teen must not ingest any drugs or alcohol before driving.
The Full, Unrestricted License
After six to 12 months of driving with a provisional license, your teen can graduate to the unrestricted license. With this license, your teen may drive at night and without adult supervision.
Your teen can apply for a full, unrestricted license at the age of 18 if he or she has completed all of the previous requirements. During this first year, your teen must not receive any moving violations.
Preparing Your Teen for Driving
Most importantly, you will want to have a conversation about substance use and driving. Make sure that they understand that underage drinking is illegal and so is drinking and driving. This action can have deadly consequences, so this is a message that they must receive. Just the city of Spokane, Washington saw 217 alcohol related accidents in 2022, 11 of which were attributed to teen drivers.
You must remember that, as your teen’s parent, you are responsible for making sure that they learn the best practices for driving on the roads.
It is true that your teen may be in a driver’s education course, but you must not take for granted that your teen is learning how to safely and responsibly navigate their way through the streets just because of that. You are a very important part of your teen’s education in learning how to drive.
You are also your teen’s most important role model. Therefore, take the opportunity to teach your teen how you expect them to drive when you are not with them. Ensure you drive safely and explain every action you take.
Then, take the time to take your teen to practice driving. This will be a great opportunity for the two of you to have some bonding time together. Above all else, remember to have fun with your teen at this important milestone.
FAQ - Graduated Licensing Programs
What are the three phases of the GDL process?
Instruction Permit Phase: Teens must be at least 15, pass a written and vision test, and complete a driver’s education course. They must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with a parent or another fully licensed adult in the passenger seat. Brainly+12Days of a Domestic Dad+12Days of a Domestic Dad+12
Intermediate or Provisional Phase: Teens typically take a road test around age 16 or 17, and upon passing, receive a provisional license. Restrictions often include no driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., limits on non-family passengers (often only one under age 20 unless supervised), and adherence to a clean driving record and no substance use. Days of a Domestic Dad+2Parents+2
Full, Unrestricted License: After 6–12 months of provisional driving without violations, the teen may apply for a full license—typically around age 18—and enjoy full driving independence. Why is GDL structured in phased stages?
It’s designed to let teens gain driving experience gradually in safer conditions. Each phase adds independence while keeping restrictions in place to protect young, less experienced drivers. NHTSAWikipedia Studies show comprehensive GDL programs can reduce fatal crashes among 16‑year‑olds by up to 38%, and injury crashes by about 40%. What is the parent’s role in this process?
Parents aren’t just passengers—they’re crucial instructors. They supervise the required driving hours, reinforce lessons from driver’s ed, help practice safe driving habits, and ensure their teen follows the GDL restrictions even when not mandated by law. What kind of restrictions are typically in place during the provisional phase?
Common restrictions include:
Nighttime driving limits (such as no driving from 10 p.m.–6 a.m.)
A cap on the number of minor passengers
Zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol
These restrictions are shown to significantly reduce crash risk. How old is my teen when they can get a full license, and what’s required?
Typically, by age 18, provided they have completed the previous phases without violations. The exact timeline varies by state, but generally involves 6 to 12 months of clean provisional driving.
