What Is Graduated Licensing?

You've probably seen a lot about "Graduated Drivers License" programs, or GDL, during your driver's education process. But what does this term actually mean, which states use a GDL program, and how will this affect your license, once you pass your road test?

Graduated Driver License Programs

While each state is different, all 50 states plus DC states have some version of what is called a Graduated Driver License (GDL) process. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) helped to develop this process, which was implemented to slowly introduce new drivers to certain stages of privilege and guidance as they learn to safely operate a motor vehicle.

New drivers under 18 must complete a three-step process:

• Learner's Permit
• Intermediate or Provisional License
• Full Driver's License

Learner's Permit

The first stage of any Graduated Driver Licensing program is a learner's permit. Generally speaking, teens around 15 and older can obtain their learner's permit by taking a classroom or online driver's education course and passing a state-administered Written Exam, which tests the applicant's knowledge on traffic laws and safe driving practice.

It is essential to remember that a learner's permit does not allow you to drive alone. You must always have another licensed adult in the car with you at all times while you are driving.

Most states will require teen drivers holding learner's permits to complete a certain number of hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a licensed adult. Other states will also require a certain number of hours of professional driving lessons given through a state-approved driving school. Details as to some state processes may be found here.

Intermediate or Provisional License

Next up is the Road Test! Passing your behind-the-wheel exam will be your gateway to getting your intermediate, or provisional license. Again, each state has slightly different rules as to how long you have to hold a permit and hold you can be before taking your road test, so always check with your state's driving agency for those laws.

Once you've passed your road test, you'll be issued something called an intermediate or provisional license. If you're under 18, you'll be able to drive alone, but with certain provisions in place. This might mean that you won't be able to drive alone during certain hours (usually between 12am and 5am) or that you can't transport more than one passenger under 18 or 21. Penalties for traffic violations may also be different during the intermediate licensing phase. Some states allow some of these restrictions to expire after holding the license without incident for a certain period of time. Other states will keep those restrictions in place until you turn 18.

Full Driver's License

By and large, once you have turned 18, you will be issued a full driver's license with full, adult driving privileges. In most states, your license will automatically converted and no further action will need to be taken. In a few states, you will need to apply for a full license as your provisional license will expire once you turn 18.

Questions about the GDL process in your state? Reach out to our Super Support Team for more information!