Intermediate License Restrictions Flashcards

Under most Graduated Driver License (GDL) programs, which of the following is a common restriction for drivers holding an intermediate license?

Answer: Restrictions on driving during late-night hours.

A core component of GDL laws is to limit high-risk driving situations for new drivers. Statistics show that the risk of a fatal crash for teen drivers is significantly higher at night. Therefore, most states impose a nighttime driving restriction, often starting between 10 p.m. and midnight, for intermediate license holders.

A 16-year-old with a new intermediate license wants to drive three of their high school friends to a movie on a Friday night. According to typical GDL passenger restrictions, what is the most likely rule they must follow?

Answer: They are limited to one non-family passenger under a certain age for the first several months.

Research consistently shows that the risk of a crash for a teen driver increases with each additional teen passenger. To mitigate this risk, most GDL laws restrict the number of non-family passengers a new driver can have. The most common rule limits the driver to zero or one non-family passenger under a specified age (e.g., 19 or 21) for at least the first six months of the intermediate phase.

Which of the following activities is almost universally prohibited for a driver with an intermediate license, even if it's hands-free?

Answer: Talking on a cell phone.

Due to the significant cognitive distraction they cause, many states have enacted laws that completely ban cell phone use (both handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers with intermediate licenses. The goal is to eliminate distractions and encourage the driver to focus solely on the task of driving.

An intermediate license holder is pulled over by a police officer for a minor traffic violation and is found to be in violation of their nighttime driving curfew. Which of the following is a potential consequence?

Answer: An extension of the time they must hold the intermediate license.

Violating GDL restrictions is treated seriously. A common penalty is to extend the duration of the intermediate license phase, delaying the driver's eligibility for a full license. This ensures the driver gains more experience under restricted conditions before advancing. Some states may also issue fines or other penalties.

To advance from an intermediate license to a full, unrestricted license, a driver typically must meet several requirements. Which of the following is a standard requirement?

Answer: Hold the intermediate license for a specific period without traffic convictions.

A key principle of the Graduated Driver License system is progressing through stages based on safe driving performance. Before graduating to a full license, a driver must typically hold the intermediate license for a minimum period (e.g., 6 to 12 months) and maintain a clean driving record, free of at-fault accidents or moving violations.

Under what circumstance might an intermediate license holder be legally permitted to drive during restricted late-night hours?

Answer: When accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

Most GDL laws provide specific exceptions to the nighttime driving restriction. Common exceptions include driving to or from a job or school activity, for an emergency, or when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver, who is typically required to be a licensed adult of at least 21 years of age seated in the front passenger seat.