What is a Graduated Drivers License or GDL?

The GDL is a three-step process that helps new drivers gradually gain experience before becoming fully licensed. The steps consist of the learner's permit, intermediate/provisional license and full, unrestricted license.

Why is a GDL needed?

Novice drivers, particularly teen drivers, have higher crash rates. Traffic crashes are the leading killer of new drivers. Last year, 6,300 teens died in crashes (that's 17 each day) and another 600,000 were injured. To put this in perspective, the worst single plane disaster ever (520 deaths) would have to occur about once a month to equal the number of young people killed in motor vehicle crashes.

When will New Jersey's GDL go into effect?

The GDL will go into effect January 1, 2001. This will allow Motor Vehicle Services (MVS) sufficient time to prepare for the change.

Who is impacted by the GDL?

All novice drivers, regardless of age, who wish to obtain a driver's license in New Jersey must do so under the new system. But, the new system won't change the age at which you may obtain a learner's permit or provisional license (still at least 16 and 17 years of age respectively).

Does a GDL really work?

When driving privileges are phased in gradually, responsible driver behavior is fostered and strengthened. In Florida, for example, where a GDL went into effect in 1996, 454 fewer 15 and 16 year-old drivers were killed or seriously injured compared to the year before. That's a 9% reduction. Similar reductions are occurring in California, Maryland, Oregon, Michigan, and other states with a graduated licensing system.

Step One:

Learner's Permit

•You must be at least 16 years of age for a special student permit or 17 years of age for a regular examination permit (a parent or guardian's signature is required).

•Pay a fee of up to $10.00 (current fee is $5.00).

•You must pass vision and knowledge tests (the latter will include 20 additional questions).

•All driving must be supervised by an adult (21 years of age or older) who has at least three years of driving experience.

•If you're 16 years of age, your permit can only be validated for practice driving after successfully completing a state-approved behind-the-wheel driving course.

•If you're 17 years of age, the behind the wheel driving course is waived, but you must practice driving with an experienced adult for a minimum of six months (three months if 21 or over).

•You may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except for employment or religious exemptions.

•Only one passenger (who is not a family member), in addition to the supervising adult, may ride in the vehicle.

•Everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt.

Step Two:

Provisional License

•You must be 17 years of age and have successfully completed the permit stage with a minimum of six months driving experience (3 months if 21 or over).

•You must pass a road test under actual driving conditions.

•You may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. except for employment or religious exemptions. The curfew does not apply to new drivers over 21.

•Adult supervision is not required.

Passengers are limited to one, plus family members or passengers over 21. The limit does not apply to new drivers over 21.

•Everyone in the vehicle must wear a safety belt.

•The license looks very different than an unrestricted license.

Step Three:

Full, Unrestricted License

•You must be 18 years of age and have met all the requirements for a provisional license.

•You must have a minimum of one year of driving experience (excluding any suspensions or postponements) and no more than two motor vehicle points or other significant motor vehicle offenses during the previous year.

•You must pass a road test under actual conditions (if you secured your permit at 17 years of age or older).