What is the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) system?

GDL is a three stage process of licensure that allows beginning drivers to acquire initial driving experience under low-risk conditions and then introduces them to more complex driving situations over a period of time.

How does the GDL system work?

It is a three step process that includes a learner's permit, intermediate (probationary) license and an unrestricted license. This system eases young drivers onto our roadways by controlling their exposure to progressively more difficult driving experiences. The three steps include:

• Learner's permit - supervision is required at all times while the new driver learns how to operate the vehicle and the rules of the road.
• Probationary license - an intermediate stage, which limits driving in high-risk situations except under adult supervision. This would include passenger, night time and cell phone restrictions.
• Unrestricted license - begins at age 18 after completing the first two stages.
• In the GDL there are mandatory safety belt use requirements in all vehicles and zero tolerance for alcohol violations

Crash involvements per million miles driven, by driver age

Why do we need a GDL system in Indiana?

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young drivers age 15 to 20. The rate of motor vehicle fatalities is highest in the 16 year-old driver group, with a crash risk per mile driven nearly 3 times that of 18-19 year-olds and 10 times that of 30-59 year-olds.

Teen drivers affect everyone!

From 1995-2004 here in Indiana, 887 lives were lost in crashes involving young novice drivers. Of these deaths, 40% were the young drivers themselves. The remaining 60% were their passengers, other motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists.

Does GDL work?

Yes! All 50 States and the District of Columbia have some form of a GDL law, and research has shown that GDL has had positive effects on reducing young driver crashes.

A study, released this year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, shows that the more comprehensive programs have the greatest results. The findings revealed that if a state has a GDL program with at least five of the seven common components (listed below), 16 year-old drivers were involved in 38 percent fewer fatal crashes and 40 percent fewer crashes that resulted in injuries. No state currently has all seven components. All states surrounding Indiana have 3 or more components in place, with Kentucky having the most comprehensive law of all. Indiana currently has only 2, components, making it very weak in comparison.

Most Critical Components:

• A minimum age of at least 16 years for gaining a learner's permit.
• A requirement to hold the learner's permit for at least 6 months before gaining a license that allows any unsupervised driving.
• A requirement for certifying at least 30 hours of supervised practice driving during the learner stage. Many experts recommend 50 hours.
• An intermediate stage of licensing with a minimum entry age of at least 16 years and 6 months.
• A nighttime driving restriction for intermediate license holders, beginning no later than 10 PM.
• A passenger restriction for intermediate license holders, allowing no more than one passenger (family members excepted).
• A minimum age of 17 years for full, unrestricted licensure.

The proposed legislation for 2008 includes 6 of these components. Learn more.

Resources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety