AAA Model GDL Law

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Graduated Driver Licensing
AAA model Guidelines
June 2005

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems are designed to teach novice drivers how to drive incrementally by controlling their progression towards full unrestricted driving.  The system ensures that new drivers accumulate behind-the-wheel experience in low-risk settings.  Typically, novice drivers progress through the following three stages: the learner’s permit stage, a restricted or probationary license stage, and the full license stage.   AAA’s guidelines for each stage are described below.

Stage 1 - Learner’s Permit

In this stage, the novice driver practices basic driving skills and safe driving practices under totally supervised conditions. Novice driver permits should be distinctive and easily distinguishable from the licenses of adults (at least 21 years old).

Recommendations for eligibility

• at least 16 years old.
• written permission from parents or legal guardian.
• pass vision and knowledge test.

Recommended components:

• Mandatory six month holding period
• During this stage, novice drivers should be supervised at all times by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
• All vehicle occupants should be required to wear their seat belts.
• Novice drivers should be required to take a basic driver education course.
• Novice drivers should be provided with ample behind-the-wheel driving experience.  AAA recommends at least 50 hours (including night time driving) of certified practice during this stage.  May be certified by a parent, guardian, or a licensed instructor.
• Novice drivers should be required to remain at-fault crash and conviction free for at least six months before progressing to the next stage.  In the event of an at-fault crash or a conviction, the novice driver should be required to take a driver education refresher course or a similar driver improvement action. 

Stage 2 - Intermediate/Probationary License

This stage exposes the driver to more demanding driving situations by providing the driver the opportunity to use his or her decision making skills by allowing unsupervised driving during lower risk times. This license should be distinctive and easily distinguishable from the licenses of adults.

Recommendations for Eligibility

• Successful completion of the first stage.
• Minimum age 16 and a half.
• should pass a road test given by an approved licensing agency.

Recommended Components

• Six month minimum holding period
• During this stage novice drivers may drive without supervision.  However, AAA recommends that novice drivers be restricted from driving between at least midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult (at least 21 years old).
• Limit the number of passengers -- at a minimum no teen passengers for the first six months (immediate family members exempt).
• All vehicle occupants should be required to wear their seat belts.
• Drivers should be required to take and pass an advanced driver education course over the course of a year.
• Novice drivers should be required to remain (at-fault) crash and conviction free for at least six months before progressing to the next stage.  In the event of an at-fault crash or a conviction, the novice driver should be required to take a driver education refresher course or a similar driver improvement action. 

Stage 3 - Full/Unrestricted License

This license allows the driver unrestricted driving privileges.

Recommendations for Eligibility

• minimum age of 18.
• successful completion of stage two
• pass a final road test.