Guideline for Drivers Ed and License Process

Getting your driver’s license is an exciting new adventure. It’s your ticket to freedom, but before you can hop behind the wheel, there are a few key steps you need to take.

If your state has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program, you’ll need to progress through multiple stages before earning full driving privileges. This step-by-step driver’s ed guide covers all the basics, from how to get your learner’s permit to what happens after you pass your road test.

The Graduated Driver’s License Process

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed the GDL Program to increase teen driving safety. This system gradually increases driving privileges with three distinct phases:

1. Learner’s permit: You can only drive with a licensed adult driver in the car. This helps you practice driving under supervision.
2. Intermediate permit (restricted driver’s license): After passing your road test, you’ll have more independence, but with restrictions. Many states place limits, such as restrictions on nighttime driving or the number of passengers in the vehicle.
3. Full (unrestricted) driver’s license: Gives you full driving privileges once all requirements are met.  

Each state is different, so check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm the details.

How to Get Your Driver’s License in GDL States

The requirements for getting a driver’s license vary by state, but most GDL programs follow a similar process. This typically includes driver’s education, a learner’s permit, supervised driving practice, and a road test. Here’s what you need to do to move through each stage.

Step 1: Driver’s Education

Some states require you to take a formal course before you can apply for your learner’s permit. You’ll need to decide where to take your course — typically, they are available through your high school or a third-party provider. You’ll also have the choice of an in-person course or an online driver’s education.  

There are some significant advantages to choosing online driver’s ed. These courses are self-paced and available on any device, so you can complete them from anywhere and at any time. They’re also interactive and designed to help you remember the important information you need to pass your written exam.

Step 2: Learner’s Permit

Most states require you to be at least 15 years old before you can apply for your learner’s permit. To do this, you’ll need to pass a written knowledge exam. This test covers important driving rules and safety concepts, including: 

• Road signs, traffic signals, and right of way
• How to safely change lanes, turn, and enter or exit roadways
• Basic vehicle safety and maintenance
• Proper strategies for emergency situations

To give yourself the best chance of passing on the first try, study ahead of time. Start by visiting your state’s DMV website and downloading the official driver’s handbook. This covers everything that will be on the test.

Consider completing a few driver’s license practice tests to make sure you’re comfortable and confident. 

Step 3: Learning How to Drive

Your learner’s permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult. Your state will have specific requirements for completing this stage of the licensing process.

While your first time in the driver’s seat can be nerve-wracking and possibly frustrating, don’t give up! Just like any new activity, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Start slow and work your way up to more challenging scenarios.

Step 4: Apply for Your Driver’s License

Many states require you to hold your learner’s permit for a set time, often at least six months, before you can take your road test. You’ll also likely need to show you’ve had a specific number of hours behind the wheel — typically 30 to 50, including a certain number of nighttime driving hours.

After meeting your state’s requirements, you can apply for your intermediate (restricted) driver’s license. The biggest hurdle here is passing your road test. This is where you’ll need to demonstrate safe driving skills in a real-world test with a DMV examiner.

Step 5: Get Your Restricted Driver’s License

Once you’ve passed your road test, you’ll officially have your restricted driver’s license! You’ll be able to drive without an adult in the car but still need to follow your state’s specific restrictions until you qualify for full driving privileges. This may include:

• Nighttime driving limits: Many states prohibit new drivers from driving late at night, often between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Passenger restrictions: Some states limit the number of passengers allowed in the car, especially other teens, to reduce distractions.
• Cell phone use bans: Even hands-free phone use may be restricted for drivers in this phase.

Step 6: Graduate to a Full (Unrestricted) License

Finally, after you’ve had your license for the required period — usually six months to a year with a clean record — you’ll be ready to get your full, unrestricted driver’s license. In some states, this happens automatically. In others, you may need to visit your local DMV to update your license.