Teen and Novice Drivers

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs allow young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges. Most programs include three stages:

  • Learner Stage: supervised driving, cumulating with a driving test;
  • Intermediate Stage: limiting unsupervised driving in high risk situations; and
  • Full Privilege Stage: a standard driver's license.

During the 1990s, many states began enacting GDL laws. The programs and types of restrictions vary from state to state. Below are some highlights:

  • Cell Phones/Texting: 37 states and D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice drivers. (See GHSA's Cell Phone laws page for more information.)
  • Nighttime Driving Restriction: All states except Vermont restrict nighttime driving during the intermediate stage.
  • Passenger Restriction: 47 states and D.C. restrict the number of passengers during the intermediate stage.
  • Novice Driver Decal: New Jersey is the only state with a measure requiring those younger than 21 without full-privilege licenses to display a decal on their vehicle identifying them as new drivers.

NOTE: GHSA does not compile any additional data on GDL laws other than what is presented here. For more information, consult the appropriate State Highway Safety Office.

Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and State Highway Safety Offices.

Laws last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2023.

Short Term Description
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs allow young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full driving privileges.
Wyoming
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

Wyoming
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Wyoming
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

10 days

Wyoming
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Wyoming
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Wyoming
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Wyoming
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 18

Wisconsin
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 9 months

Wisconsin
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Wisconsin
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Wisconsin
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

30 (10)

Wisconsin
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Wisconsin
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Wisconsin
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1

West Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 5 a.m.

West Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 20 Second 6 months: no more than one passenger under 20

West Virginia
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

West Virginia
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

West Virginia
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

West Virginia
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10); 0 with driver's ed.

West Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Washington
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Washington
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 15 / 6 without driver's ed.

Washington
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Washington
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Washington
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Washington
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Washington
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 20 Remainder: no more than 3 passengers under 20 (secondary enforcement)

Virginia
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

45 (15)

Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 3

Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 4 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Virginia
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 12 months: no more than 1 under 21 (secondary enforcement) Thereafter: no more than 3 under 21 under certain conditions (secondary enforcement)

Virginia
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Virginia
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Virginia
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

9

Virgin Islands
Full Privilege Minimum Age

None

Virgin Islands
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Virgin Islands
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

None

Virgin Islands
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

None

Virgin Islands
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

None

Virgin Islands
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

None

Virgin Islands
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

None

Vermont
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Vermont
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Vermont
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

Vermont
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Vermont
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

No restriction

Vermont
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 3 months: no passengers Second 3 months: no passengers except family (secondary enforcement

Vermont
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

Utah
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 17 years Driving with passengers: 16 years, 6 months

Utah
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Utah
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

18

Utah
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

Utah
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Utah
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Utah
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers (secondary enforcement)

Texas
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Texas
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Texas
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Texas
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

30 (10)

Texas
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Texas
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Texas
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21 (secondary enforcement)

Tennessee
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1

Tennessee
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Tennessee
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Tennessee
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Tennessee
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Tennessee
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Tennessee
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 6 a.m.

South Dakota
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years

South Dakota
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14

South Dakota
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

275* days (or 180 days after passing driver's ed.)
*effective July 1, 2021

South Dakota
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10 at night and 10 in inclement weather)*
*effective July 1, 2021

South Dakota
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14 + minimum of 6 months

South Dakota
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 6 a.m. (exemption for going directly to or from school event, work or church event and driving agricultural machinery)*
*effective July 1, 2021

South Dakota
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No passengers outside of household for first 6 months; 1 passenger outside of household after 6 months.*
*effective July 1, 2021

South Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

South Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

EST: 6 p.m. - 6 a.m. EDT: 8 p.m. - 6 a.m.

South Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 2 under 21 unless to/from school

South Carolina
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

South Carolina
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

South Carolina
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

South Carolina
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

Rhode Island
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years, 6 months

Rhode Island
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Rhode Island
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Rhode Island
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Rhode Island
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Rhode Island
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

1 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Rhode Island
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 12 months: no more than 1 under 21

Pennsylvania
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Pennsylvania
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

65 (10) + 5 in inclement weather

Pennsylvania
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Pennsylvania
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Pennsylvania
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18 Thereafter: no more than 3 under 18

Pennsylvania
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years with driver's ed. and 12 months free of crash or conviction 18 without driver's ed.

Pennsylvania
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Oregon
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Oregon
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Oregon
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Oregon
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50; 100 without driver's ed.

Oregon
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Oregon
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Oregon
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 20 Second 6 months: No more than 3 passengers under 20

Oklahoma
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months with driver's ed. 17 years without driver's ed.

Oklahoma
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6 with driver's ed; 15 without driver's ed

Oklahoma
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Oklahoma
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Oklahoma
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Oklahoma
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Oklahoma
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1

Ohio
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 17 years

Ohio
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Ohio
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Ohio
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Ohio
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Ohio
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Age 16: Midnight - 6 a.m. Age 17: 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Ohio
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 12 months, no more than 1 unless supervised

Northern Mariana Islands
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16

Northern Mariana Islands
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Northern Mariana Islands
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

None

Northern Mariana Islands
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

None

Northern Mariana Islands
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

n/a

Northern Mariana Islands
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

n/a

Northern Mariana Islands
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

n/a

North Dakota
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Sunset or 9 p.m. (whichever is later) - 5 a.m.

North Dakota
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No restriction (other than vehicle manufacturer recommendations)

North Dakota
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years

North Dakota
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14

North Dakota
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12 for drivers under 16; otherwise, 6 months or until age 18 (whichever comes first)

North Dakota
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 for drivers under 16; otherwise none

North Dakota
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16; 15 for a parent-requested restricted license (restricted license may only operate a vehicle owned by their parents or legal guardian and may not drive a car with more passengers than the vehicle's manufacturer recommends)

North Carolina
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

North Carolina
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

North Carolina
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

North Carolina
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

60 (10) during Learner Stage 2 (6) during Intermediate Stage

North Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

North Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

9 p.m. - 5 a.m.

North Carolina
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21; if passenger under 21 is family, no other non-family passengers under 21

New York
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (15)

New York
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

New York
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

9 p.m. - 5 a.m. except NYC (unsupervised driving prohibited at all times) and Long Island (limited daytime unsupervised allowed)

New York
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

New York
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years with driver's ed. 18 years without driver's ed.

New York
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

New York
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

New Mexico
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

New Mexico
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

New Mexico
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

New Mexico
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

New Mexico
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

New Mexico
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

New Mexico
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

New Jersey
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

New Jersey
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

New Jersey
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

None

New Jersey
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

17

New Jersey
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

New Jersey
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 (exception limited to drivers' dependents)

New Jersey
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

New Hampshire
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 17 years, 1 month Driving with passengers: 16 years, 6 months

New Hampshire
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

New Hampshire
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

None

New Hampshire
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

New Hampshire
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

New Hampshire
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

1 a.m. - 4 a.m.

New Hampshire
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 25

Nevada
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 16 years, 6 months

Nevada
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Nevada
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Nevada
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10); 100 (10) if driver's ed not offered within 30 miles

Nevada
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Nevada
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Nevada
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 18 (secondary enforcement)

Nebraska
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 19 (secondary enforcement)

Nebraska
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 17 years Driving with passengers: 16 years, 6 months

Nebraska
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Nebraska
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Nebraska
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10); 0 with driver's ed.

Nebraska
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Nebraska
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 6 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Montana
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years

Montana
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14 / 6

Montana
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Montana
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Montana
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Montana
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Montana
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18 Second 6 months: no more than 3 under 18

Missouri
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Missouri
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

1 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Missouri
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 19 Thereafter: no more than 3 under 19

Missouri
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Missouri
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Missouri
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Missouri
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

Mississippi
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Mississippi
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Mississippi
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Mississippi
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

None

Mississippi
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Mississippi
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Sun-Thurs: 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. Fri-Sat: 11:30 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Mississippi
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

None

Minnesota
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Minnesota
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (15) or 40 (15) if parent completes 90 minute class

Minnesota
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Minnesota
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Minnesota
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 20 Second 6 months: no more than 3 under 20

Minnesota
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 16 years, 6 months Driving with passengers: 17

Minnesota
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Michigan
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Michigan
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14 / 9

Michigan
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Michigan
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Michigan
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Michigan
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Michigan
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

Massachusetts
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 17 years

Massachusetts
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Massachusetts
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Massachusetts
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40; 30 with advanced driver training

Massachusetts
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Massachusetts
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

12:30 a.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement 12:30 a.m. - 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. - 5 a.m.)

Massachusetts
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 18

Maryland
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 16 years, 11 months

Maryland
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 9

Maryland
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

9

Maryland
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

60 (10)

Maryland
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Maryland
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Maryland
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 5 months: no passengers under 18 (secondary enforcement)

Maine
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years

Maine
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Maine
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Maine
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

70 (10)

Maine
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Maine
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m.

Maine
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 270 days: no passengers

Louisiana
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Louisiana
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21 between 6 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Louisiana
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Louisiana
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Louisiana
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Louisiana
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (15)

Louisiana
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Kentucky
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Kentucky
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Kentucky
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Kentucky
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

60 (10)

Kentucky
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Kentucky
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 6 a.m.

Kentucky
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 20 unless supervised by instructor (secondary enforcement)

Kansas
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Kansas
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 (at 15, can drive without supervision to and from work or school)

Kansas
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

First 6 months: 9 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Kansas
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 non-sibling

Kansas
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

Kansas
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14

Kansas
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Iowa
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Iowa
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14

Iowa
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Iowa
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

20 (2) during Learner Stage 10 (2) during Intermediate Stage

Iowa
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Iowa
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

12:30 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Iowa
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18, parents may waive

Indiana
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 with driver's ed. 16 without driver's ed.

Indiana
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Indiana
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Indiana
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 3 with driver's ed. 16 / 9 without driver's ed.

Indiana
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

First 180 days: 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. After 180 days: 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. (Sun-Thurs); 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. (Fri-Sat)

Indiana
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 180 days: no passengers

Indiana
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 16 years, 9 months with drivers ed.; 17 years, 3 months without driver's ed.

Illinois
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 17 years

Illinois
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Illinois
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

9

Illinois
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Illinois
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Illinois
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Sun-Thurs: 10 p.m. - 6 a.m Fri-Sat: 11 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Illinois
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 12 months: no more than 1 under 20

Idaho
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 16 Driving with passengers: 15 years, 6 months

Idaho
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14 / 6

Idaho
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Idaho
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Idaho
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Idaho
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Idaho
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 17

Hawaii
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 18

Hawaii
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Hawaii
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Hawaii
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Hawaii
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Hawaii
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Hawaii
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Guam
Full Privilege Minimum Age

No data

Guam
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Guam
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

No data

Guam
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

No data

Georgia
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

 15

Georgia
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Georgia
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (6); 0 with behind the wheel training

Georgia
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Georgia
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Georgia
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers Second 6 months: no more than 1 passenger under 21 Thereafter: No more than 3 passengers (secondary enforcement)

Georgia
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Florida
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Florida
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Florida
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Florida
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Florida
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Florida
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Age 16: 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. Age 17: 1 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Florida
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

None

District of Columbia
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

District of Columbia
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

District of Columbia
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

District of Columbia
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10 in intermediate stage)

District of Columbia
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

District of Columbia
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

September through June: 11 p.m. - 6 a.m. (Sun-Thurs); Midnight - 6 a.m. (Fri-Sat) July through August: midnight - 6 a.m.

District of Columbia
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers Thereafter: No more than 2 passengers under 21

Delaware
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 (law also includes a seat belt provision: if a teen driver w/ permit or their passenger <18 is found unbelted, the permit holder's license suspended for 2 months)

Delaware
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Delaware
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Delaware
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Delaware
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

Delaware
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Delaware
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

10 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Connecticut
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime Driving: 18 Driving with Passengers: 17 years, 4 months

Connecticut
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Connecticut
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

4 with driver's ed 6 without driver's ed

Connecticut
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40

Connecticut
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 4

Connecticut
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Connecticut
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers except parents or instructor Second 6 months: no passengers except parents, instructor or immediate family

Colorado
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Colorado
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Colorado
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers Second 6 months: no more than one passenger (secondary enforcement)

Colorado
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

Colorado
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 with driver's ed 15 / 6 with driver awareness program 16 without driver's ed. or program

Colorado
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

12

Colorado
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

California
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17 years

California
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

California
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

California
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50 (10)

California
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

California
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

California
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 12 months: no passengers under 20 (secondary enforcement) unless accompanied by parent, guardian or other adult 25 years or older

Arkansas
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Arkansas
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

None

Arkansas
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Arkansas
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 4 a.m.

Arkansas
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1 under 21

Arkansas
Full Privilege Minimum Age

18 years

Arkansas
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14

Arizona
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

Arizona
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15 / 6

Arizona
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Arizona
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

30 (10); 20 (6) with defensive driving course; 0 with driver's ed.

Arizona
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Arizona
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement)

Arizona
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no more than 1 under 18 (secondary enforcement)

Alaska
Full Privilege Minimum Age

16 years, 6 months

Alaska
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

14

Alaska
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Alaska
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40 (10)

Alaska
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Alaska
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

1 a.m. - 5 a.m.

Alaska
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 21

Alabama
Full Privilege Minimum Age

17

Alabama
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

15

Alabama
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Alabama
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

50; 0 with driver's ed.

Alabama
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Alabama
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

Midnight - 6 a.m.

Alabama
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

No more than 1

Roadway Safety Groups Provide Funding for Safe Youth Mobility in Underserved Areas

GHSA has awarded a total of $125,000 from the National Road Safety Foundation to five states to partner with community-based groups to implement safe youth mobility programs focusing on walking, biking and/or riding a scooter. This is the third consecutive year that GHSA and NRSF have provided funding to State Highway Safety Offices for youth safety initiatives in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas with limited financial resources.

Four Million Total U.S. Traffic Deaths Shows Need for National Safety Strategy

Early this year, the United States will mark a grim and tragic milestone: Four million roadway deaths since 1899. Every single one of these people left behind countless family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors. It’s impossible to fully comprehend the grief and tragedy caused by a single death, let alone four million. Something must change.

Four Million Total U.S. Traffic Deaths Shows Need for National Safety Strategy

GHSA News Release
February 21, 2024

As US Edges to Four Million Road Deaths, 'Something Must Change' Says GHSA

This year, the US will reach a total four million deaths on the road since 1899, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Marking this 'grim and tragic milestone', the organisation's CEO Jonathan Adkins calls for a renewed sense of urgency in tackling this "safety crisis" and suggests more enforcement and better road design as key areas in which improvements can be made.

Young Drivers and Traffic Fatalities: 20 Years of Progress on the Road to Zero

Young drivers are nearly four times more likely to be involved in a fatal traffic crash than their older counterparts, but a GHSA report confirms that crash and fatality rates for drivers under 21 have improved drastically over the past two decades – more so than for other drivers. The report includes an analysis of Fatality Analysis Reporting System data for 2002-2021, identifies the policies and programs responsible for the gains in teen driver safety and makes recommendations for building upon that success.

Report: Young Driver Fatality Rates Have Fallen Sharply in the US, Helped by Education, Technology

Crash and fatality rates among drivers under 21 have fallen dramatically in the U.S. during the past 20 years, a new report says, while noting young drivers are still the riskiest group behind the wheel. Using data from 2002-2021, a non-profit group of state highway safety offices says that fatal crashes involving a young driver fell by 38%, while deaths of young drivers dropped even more, by about 45%. For drivers 21 and older, fatal crashes rose 8% and deaths rose 11%.

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