What restrictions are placed on my teen with the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)?

Drivers holding a GDL license have the following restrictions placed upon them:

  • May not drive between 12:01 and 5:00am
  • May not have more than one friend in the car
  • May not use a cell phone (including hands free), or any other hand held electronic device
  • Driver and ALL passengers must wear seatbelts

For more information on GDL requirements and restrictions, click here

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I hear so much about the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) — what is it?

New Jersey residents who have never had a driver license must follow New Jersey's Graduated Driver License (GDL) program to get their first unrestricted basic driver license.The GDL is designed to provide young drivers with the instruction and driving experience they need to stay safer. 

 

The GDL program places certain conditions and restrictions on new drivers in an effort to gradually build their experience. Upon completion of all steps, drivers are awarded a full privilege basic driver license. For more detailed information, click here.

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Why does New Jersey require the GDL program?

Studies show that a young driver's risk of being involved in a car crash is highest within his/her first 12-24 months of driving. An average of 6,000 teens die in car crashes nationally each year.

An additional 300,000 teens sustain injuries in crashes; many of those injuries are serious and often life-altering. In fact, car crashes are the leading cause of brain injury in teens. By delaying full driving privileges so that teens can gain driving experience under low-risk conditions, comprehensive GDL programs can reduce these deaths and injuries by approximately 40%. The ultimate goal of the GDL program is to protect the lives of young drivers-and the lives of their passengers and others on the road.

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What happens if my teen commits a traffic offense and receives a ticket while he/she has a GDL license?

As of September 2008, GDL holders can no longer "plea down" to "no point" offenses. If a GDL holder accumulates three or more penalty points, they have to complete a driver improvement program. If they fail to complete this program, or if they accumulate additional points, it will result in suspension and postponement of their eligibility to obtain a provisional (if in the permit phase) or basic license (if in the probationary phase). In addition, violations may incur legal fees and/or higher insurance rates. This can cost thousands of dollars. GDL holders must obey all traffic rules and regulations. It can save money... and their lives.

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My son/daughter gets home from work after midnight — are there exemptions to the nighttime driving restrictions?

If there is a proven need to drive during the prohibited time for work and/or religious purposes, exemptions do exist. For an exemption, a driver must carry a written certification on official letterhead, which is signed by an employer or religious figure.

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What happens after my teen has satisfied the provisional driver license requirements?

All drivers who possess a provisional drivers license whose probationary period has not been extended beyond the standard 12 months, must visit an MVC agency to upgrade to a basic driver license. Drivers who fail to do so, will remain subject to the Provisional Driver License restrictions.

 

 

Your supervision and guidance, along with this information, can help your new driver reduce his/her risk of being involved in a crash.

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