All states in the U.S., plus Washington, D.C., have some form of graduated driver licensing. These laws form a three-step system that eases young drivers into the responsibilities of a fully unrestricted license.
GDL laws can decrease the risk of a crash by as much as 50%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making them a huge factor in decreasing the number of accident fatalities. Learn how the stages of the graduated driver licensing system work and what’s required in your state.
CarInsurance.com Insights
- Graduated licensing laws restrict the driving privileges of young drivers in phases, with the first phase being the most restrictive.
- Once they have passed the different stages according to their state’s laws, teen drivers can receive an unrestricted license.
- GDL laws usually detail the number of passengers allowed, the amount of supervised driving time required and when a young driver cannot be on the road.
What are Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws?
According to the CDC, car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. Graduated driving laws are a system that gives teens driving privileges in phases as a way to reduce the risk of an accident. They usually have three stages: a learner’s permit stage, an intermediate stage and a full license.
GDL laws restrict teen drivers based on their age and the phase of the licensing system they’re in. These restrictions vary depending on the state but usually include age requirements, supervision during the learning stage, a limit on driving hours and passengers and a time frame for moving on to the next phase.
GDL laws by state: A quick overview
GDL laws vary by state, with some allowing a learner’s permit at age 14 and others delaying that privilege until age 16. Restrictions on night driving and passengers and driver education requirements also vary.
Some states have also applied additional restrictions on young drivers, including bans on texting and driving or harsher penalties for violations, according to the CDC. Below are the GDL laws for each state.
| State | Learner license | Intermediate license | Unrestricted license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours or driver’s ed | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-6 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger | Night restrictions lifted: 17 and licensed for 6 months (min. age: 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 17 and licensed for 6 months (min. age: 17) |
| Alaska | Min. age: 14Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night or in inclement weather | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 1 a.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no passengers younger than 21 | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| Arizona | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours or driver’s ed | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcement Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 18 secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| Arkansas | Min. age: 14Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: none | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-4 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 21 | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: until age 18 (min. age: 18) |
| California | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-5 a.m. secondary enforcementPassenger restrictions*: no passengers younger than 20 (limited exception for immediate family), secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months after initial license (min. age: 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months after initial license (min. age: 17) |
| Colorado | Min. age: 15Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcementPassenger restrictions*: first 6 months—no passengers; second 6 months—no more than one passenger secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Connecticut | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 months (4 months with driver education)Supervised driving: 40 hours | Min. age: 16, 4 monthsNight restrictions: 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months—no passengers other than parents or a driving instructor; second 6 months—no passengers other than parents, driving instructor or members of the immediate family | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17, 4 months) |
| Delaware | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: 10 p.m.-6 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or the issuance of a class D license (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or the issuance of a class D license (min. age: 17) |
| Florida | Min. age: 15Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-6 a.m. for 16-year-olds; 1 a.m.-5 a.m. for 17-year-olds Passenger restrictions*: none | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: none |
| Georgia | Min. age: 15Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 6 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcement Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months—no passengers; second 6 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 21; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18) |
| Hawaii | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 18 (household members excepted) | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months and age 17 (min. age: 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months and age 17 (min. age: 17) |
| Idaho | Min. age: 14, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 15Night restrictions: 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: licensees 16 and younger can have no more than 1 passenger younger than 17 | Night restrictions lifted: until age 16 (min. age: 16)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 17 (min. age: 15, 6 months) |
| Illinois | Min. age: 15Holding period: 9 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: starts 10 p.m. Sun.-Thur., 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., ends 6 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: first 12 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 20 | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 18 (min. age: 17) |
| Indiana | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 3 monthsNight restrictions: For the first 6 months, 10 p.m.-5 a.m.; thereafter, 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Sun.-Fri.; 1 a.m.-5 a.m. Sat.-Sun.Passenger restrictions*: no passengers | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months and age 18 or age 21, whichever occurs first (min. age 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 21, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 9 months or 17, 3 months without driver education) |
| Iowa | Min. age: 14Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: 20 hours, 2 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 12:30 a.m.-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: parental discretion | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: n/a |
| Kansas | Min. age: 14Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: 25 hours, in learner phase; 25 hours before age 16; 10 of the 50 hours must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 18 | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 17, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 17, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| Kentucky | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 60 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: midnight-6 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 20 unless supervised by a driving instructor, secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Louisiana | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 15 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m. -5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 21 between the hours of 6 pm-5 am; no passenger restriction from 5 am-6 pm | Night restrictions lifted: age 17 (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: age 17 (min. age: 17) |
| Maine | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 70 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no passengers | Night restrictions lifted: 9 months (min. age: 16, 9 months)Passenger restrictions lifted: 9 months (min. age: 16, 9 months) |
| Maryland | Min. age: 15, 9 monthsHolding period: 9 monthsSupervised driving: 60 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: midnight-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no passengers younger than 18; secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 5 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 11 months) |
| Massachusetts | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: 12:30 a.m.-5 a.m. (between 12:30 a.m.-1 a.m. and 4 a.m.-5 a.m., the night driving and passenger restrictions are subject to secondary enforcement; enforcement is primary at all other times)Passenger restrictions*: no passengers younger than 18 (between 12:30 a.m.-1 am and 4-5 a.m. the night driving and passenger restrictions are secondarily enforced; enforcement is primary at all other times) | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Michigan | Min. age: 14, 9 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 10 p.m.-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 21 | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months and age 17 or until age 18 (min. age 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months and age 17 or until age 18 (min. age 17) |
| Minnesota | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 15 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 20; second 6 months—no more than 3 passengers younger than 20 | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Mississippi | Min. age: 15Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: None | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Sun.-Thur., 11:30 p.m.-6 a.m. Fri.-Sat.Passenger restrictions*: None | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: N/a |
| Missouri | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 1 a.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 19; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers younger than 19 | Night restrictions lifted: entire intermediate stage (min. age: 17, 11 mo.) Passenger restrictions lifted: entire intermediate stage (min. age: 17, 11 mo.) |
| Montana | Min. age: 14, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 15Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 18; second 6 months—no more than 3 passengers younger than 18 | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16) |
| Nebraska | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night (none with driver education) | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-6 a.m. secondary enforcement Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 19 secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| Nevada | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night (none with defensive driving course) | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 10 p.m.-5 a.m.; secondary enforcement Passenger restrictions*: no passengers younger than 18 secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| New Hampshire | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: noneSupervised driving: 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 1-4 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 25 | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| New Jersey | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 17Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger (exception is limited to drivers’ dependents) | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (min. age: 18) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (min. age: 18) |
| New Mexico | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsNight restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 21 | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| New York | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 15 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: 9 p.m.-5 a.m. except for NYC (unsupervised driving prohibited at all times) and Long Island (limited daytime unsupervised driving)Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 21 | Night restrictions lifted: age 17 with driver education; age 18 without (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: age 17 with driver education; age 18 without (min. age: 17) |
| North Carolina | Min. age: 15Holding period: 9 monthsSupervised driving: 60 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger younger than 21Additional supervised driving: 12 hours, 6 of which must be at night | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| North Dakota | Min. age: 14Holding period: Under 16: 12 months; 16: 6 months or until age 18, whichever comes first Supervised driving: Under 16: 50 hours; 16 or older: none | Min. age: 16 (15 for a parent-requested restricted license)Night restrictions: Only permitted to drive a car belonging to a parent or guardian and may not drive between the later of sunset or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: none | Night restrictions lifted: age 16 (min. age: 16)Passenger restrictions lifted: N/a |
| Ohio | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-6 a.m. (first 12 months), 1-5 a.m. (second 12 months) secondary enforcementPassenger restrictions*: first 12 months: no more than 1 passenger | Night restrictions lifted: 24 months (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months (min. age: 17) |
| Oklahoma | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than 1 passenger | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months with driver education, 12 months without or age 18 (min age: 16, 6 months)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months with driver education, 12 months without or age 18 (min age: 16, 6 months) |
| Oregon | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours (100 hours without driver education) | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months: no passengers younger than 20; second 6 months: no more than 3 passengers younger than 20 | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Pennsylvania | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 65 hours, 10 of which must be at night and 5 of which must be in inclement weather | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months: no more than one passenger younger than 18; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 if completed driver education or age 18 (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 if completed driver education or age 18 (min. age: 17) |
| Rhode Island | Min. age: 16Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 6 monthsNight restrictions: 1-5 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 21 | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17, 6 months) |
| South Carolina | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsNight restrictions: 6 p.m.-6 a.m. EST; 8 p.m.-6 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than 2 passengers younger than 21 unless transporting students to and from school | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 if intermediate license has been held for at least 6 months (min. age: 16, 6 months) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 if intermediate license has been held for at least 6 months (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| South Dakota | Min. age: 14Holding period: 9 months (6 months with driver education)Supervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night and 10 of which must be during inclement weather | Min. age: 14, 9 months (14, 6 months with driver education)Night restrictions: 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months: no passengers; thereafter, no more than one passenger younger than 18 | Night restrictions lifted: age 16 (min. age: 16) Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or at age 16, whichever occurs first (min. age: 15, 6 months) |
| Tennessee | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-6 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Texas | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 30 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcement Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 21 secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: until age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: until age 18 (min. age: 18) |
| Utah | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight to 5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no passengers; secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: until age 17 (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| Vermont | Min. age: 15Holding period: 12 monthsSupervised driving: 40 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: nonePassenger restrictions*: first 3 months: no passengers without exception; second 3 months: no passengers, secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: N/aPassenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
| Virginia | Min. age: 15, 6 monthsHolding period: 9 monthsSupervised driving: 45 hours, 15 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16, 3 monthsNight restrictions: midnight-4 a.m.; secondary enforcementPassenger restrictions*: first 12 months: no more than one passenger younger than 21; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers younger than 21; secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18)Passenger restrictions lifted: age 18 (min. age: 18) |
| Washington | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 1 a.m.-5 a.m. secondary enforcement Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months: no passengers younger than 20; second 6 months: no more than 3 passengers younger than 20; secondary enforcement | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| West Virginia | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night (none with driver education) | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: first 6 months: no passengers younger than 20; second 6 months: no more than one passenger younger than 20 | Night restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17)Passenger restrictions lifted: 12 months and age 17 or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17) |
| Wisconsin | Min. age: 15Holding period: 6 monthsSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: midnight-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger | Night restrictions lifted: 9 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 9 months)Passenger restrictions lifted: 9 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 9 months) |
| Wyoming | Min. age: 15Holding period: 10 daysSupervised driving: 50 hours, 10 of which must be at night | Min. age: 16Night restrictions: 11 p.m.-5 a.m.Passenger restrictions*: no more than one passenger younger than 18 | Night restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 17, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months)Passenger restrictions lifted: 6 months or age 17, whichever occurs first (min. age: 16, 6 months) |
* Family members excepted, unless otherwise noted
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
What is the purpose of graduated driver licensing?
The number one purpose of graduated driver licensing is saving lives. Graduated driver licensing laws place restrictions on teen drivers that limit their time on the road, reduce distractions, and provide a way to gain driving experience over time. These limits reduce the risk of fatal crashes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, implementing the strictest components of GDL laws nationwide could save 500 lives per year and reduce the number of crashes by 9,500.
At what age can teens get a full driver’s license?
Teens can usually get a full driver’s license once they turn 18. In some states, they may be able to get a full license earlier — at 16 ½ or 17— if they’ve completed all the stages of the graduated driver licensing system.
That may mean they have to remain in an intermediate license stage for six months to a year before they can move to a full license without restrictions.
Which states have the strictest GDL laws?
Although all states require teens to stick to graduated driver licensing, some states have stricter requirements than others.
“California stands out,” as one of the strictest, said John Beck, an attorney, auto accident law expert and founding partner at Beck & Beck, a law firm in Missouri. “They make teens wait a full six months after getting a learner’s permit before testing for the next level, and they require 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night,” he said. “New Jersey is another one. They don’t let drivers under 21 get a full license until they’re at least 18, and they require a red decal on the license plate so law enforcement can identify new drivers,” he said.
While it may seem unfair to a teen driver yearning for freedom and the open road, strict GDL laws do work. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most restrictive GDL programs reduced fatal crashes by 38% and injuries by 40% among 16-year-old drivers.
Tips for parents: Navigating GDL and car insurance
Most parents support strong GDL policies, according to the NHTSA — even policies that are stricter than what is already in place in the U.S. And while they may not be a fan of the cost of insuring their teen driver, car insurance is imperative for protecting the family financially after a crash — as long as the teen has been following the rules.
“The real trouble starts when a teen breaks GDL rules and is also involved in an accident,” said Benson Varghese, a board certified criminal lawyer in Texas and founder of Varghese Summersett PLLC. The insurance companies may deny the claim, he said, and the teen could face civil liability for any injuries.
“From a legal standpoint, GDL violations are taken more seriously than many parents realize. They’re not just traffic infractions — they signal lack of supervision or judgment and can stay on a young driver’s record,” he said. “The best advice is to treat GDL restrictions like hard rules. They’re designed to protect, but courts don’t treat them lightly if broken.”
As a parent, it may help to explain to your teen what could happen if they violate GDL laws. Your insurance premiums could go up, which may reduce the money available for more enjoyable pursuits.
Your teen may even find it difficult to remain on your insurance policy. And in some cases, they’ll need to complete another driver education course or community service.
Following all of the rules of the road — including restrictions on teen driving — is a sign of maturity and can avoid more serious consequences down the road.
Final thoughts
Graduated driver licensing is designed to protect young and inexperienced drivers by limiting their exposure to particular risk factors, like driving several passengers or during late-night hours.
If you’re a teen driver or parent of one, familiarize yourself with the GDL laws in your state. Violating these laws can lead to a license suspension and higher insurance premiums, to say nothing of the increased risk of a serious crash.
Follow the GDL laws in your state to ensure your young driver and others stay safe on the road.
FAQ: Graduated driver licensing laws
Can a teen drive out of state with a learner’s permit?
Not all states recognize out-of-state learner’s permits; some do so, but only with restrictions. You’ll need to check the laws in the destination state to ensure a teen driver with an out-of-state learner’s permit is legally permitted to drive there.
How old do you have to be to have passengers in your car?
Most states allow young drivers to have one passenger in the car, but they do have restrictions on the age and total number of passengers. In some states, the number of passengers a young driver can have depends on the driver’s age and accumulated time behind the wheel.
What happens if my teen violates GDL restrictions?
The consequences of violating GDL restrictions vary, and can depend on which restriction was violated and your state. Restrictions in certain states are secondary enforcement, meaning the police can’t pull you over for breaking that restriction but can cite you for it after pulling you over for a primary offense.
Your teen could face misdemeanor charges, the suspension of their license, an extension of the period before moving on to the next licensure phase and a possible insurance rate increase.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. “Graduated Driver Licensing.” Accessed July 2025.
- Institute for Highway Safety. “Graduated Licensing Laws.” Accessed July 2025.
- Institute for Highway Safety. “Study of teen fatal crash rates adds to evidence of GDL benefits.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Graduated Driver Licensing.” Accessed July 2025.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Teen Driving.” Accessed July 2025.
Still have a question? Ask our experts
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs