A graduated driver licensing program typically has three stages, each designed to gradually introduce new drivers to the responsibilities of being on the road. These stages are meant to give young drivers the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills in a controlled environment before earning full driving privileges.
The first stage of a graduated driver licensing program is the learner’s permit stage. During this stage, new drivers are required to complete a driver education course and pass a written test to obtain their learner’s permit. With a learner’s permit, new drivers are allowed to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult over the age of 21. This stage is meant to give new drivers the opportunity to get comfortable behind the wheel and learn the rules of the road before advancing to the next stage.
The second stage of a graduated driver licensing program is the intermediate stage. In this stage, new drivers are granted limited driving privileges, such as driving during certain hours and with a limited number of passengers. New drivers are also required to log a certain number of supervised driving hours to demonstrate their proficiency behind the wheel. This stage is meant to give new drivers the opportunity to gain experience driving in various conditions and situations while still under the supervision of a licensed adult.
The final stage of a graduated driver licensing program is the full license stage. To advance to this stage, new drivers must complete all required driving hours and pass a driving test to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. Once they have successfully completed these requirements, new drivers are granted full driving privileges and are allowed to drive without any restrictions.
Overall, a graduated driver licensing program is designed to help new drivers gain the experience and skills they need to become safe and responsible drivers. By introducing new drivers to the responsibilities of being on the road in a gradual and controlled manner, graduated driver licensing programs help to reduce the number of accidents involving young drivers and improve overall road safety.
