California Graduated Driver License

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to reduce the high crash risk of young novice drivers by allowing them to safely gain driving experience while minimizing the highest risk situations. Nighttime driving and carrying other young passengers are particularly dangerous situations that GDL restricts while a new driver gains skills and experience.

The GDL law allows young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges. The Parent-Teen Graduated Driver Licensing online module brings an engaging twist to this topic, which can often be confusing for new drivers and their parents. Through videos, quizzes, and interactive elements, it outlines all areas of the GDL laws and educates users on the various distractions and situations that can be most deadly for new drivers. Both teens and their parents are encouraged to utilize this module to ensure that they both have a good understanding of the restrictions in place to keep young drivers safe. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the California Highway Patrol, the Parent-Teen Graduated Driver Licensing online module is available at no cost for all California residents.

The California GDL law includes three stages:

• Instruction Permit Phase: Supervised driving, culminating with an on-the-road driving test
• Provisional/Intermediate Phase: Limiting number of passengers and nighttime driving
• Full Privilege Stage: A standard driver license.