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Young drivers who lack experience behind the wheel may drive more irresponsibly and are at greater risk of being involved in accidents. Fortunately, there are graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs in place designed to train young drivers and help them learn good driving habits.

It’s important to understand graduated driver’s license rules, GDL laws and GDL restrictions, especially if you or a teenage loved one is preparing to drive soon for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • State GDL laws put restrictions on the licenses of inexperienced drivers and then allow them more freedom as they gain experience with age.
  • Young drivers are required to have a learner’s permit and hold it for an appropriate amount of time before applying for their licenses.
  • After passing a road test, young drivers can get their state driver’s license, but there are restrictions they must follow for a time before earning the same rights as a more experienced driver.
  • After gaining experience, young drivers can enjoy full driving privileges. They can drive at any time and they can have anyone in the car.

Find driving age by state

15 years, 6 mos.
Minimum Driving Age

What is graduated driver licensing?

Graduated driver licensing rules enable new drivers to obtain experience on the road and adopt positive driving habits before they are allowed to drive with fewer restrictions.

“The laws vary from state to state. But generally speaking, a GDL program will apply certain rules to a new driver, such as prohibiting the driver from driving alone, driving with other unlicensed passengers, or driving at night,” says Jobin Joseph, managing attorney for TrafficTickets.com in New York.

“The idea is that as young new drivers gain more experience on the road, they graduate to the next level of licensing privileges, which will carry fewer restrictions than the previous level,” says Lyle Solomon, an attorney and financial expert with Oak View Law Group in Rocklin, California.

Graduated driver licensing laws by state

Adolescent drivers are involved in crashes three times more than drivers over the age of 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has also reported that motor vehicle crashes account for the deaths of more teenagers than any other cause.

“Hence, state governments have responded by restricting an adolescent’s ability to drive until they have more experience and are hopefully less likely to be involved in an accident,” says Joseph.

Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs allow teen drivers to gain driving experience before they get full driving privileges. Most programs include three stages:

Learner stage

The first GDL level is the learner stage, which includes getting a learner’s permit, driving with supervision and passing a driving test. Learner’s permits in most states mandate that the permit holder is of minimum age, only operates the vehicle in the presence of a fully licensed driver and earns a particular number of hours while driving under these rules to graduate to the next level of licensing.

Here are the learner stage restrictions for each state: 

State Minimum age (years) Required holding period Minimum supervised driving hours
Alaska156 months50 hours (none with driver education)
Alabama146 months40 hours, 10 of which have to be at night or in inclement weather
Arkansas15, 6 months6 months30 hours, 10 of which have to be at night (none with driver education)
Arizona146 monthsnone
California15, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Colorado1512 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Connecticut166 months (4 months with driver education)40 hours
Washington, D.C.166 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Delaware166 months40 hours in the learner’s stage; 10 hours at night in the intermediate stage
Florida1512 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Georgia1512 months40 hours, 6 of which have to be at night
Hawaii15, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Iowa14, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Idaho159 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Illinois156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Indiana1412 months20 hours, 2 of which have to be at night
Kansas1412 months25 hours, in the learner phase; 25 hours before age 16; 10 of the 50 hours have to be at night
Kentucky166 months60 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Louisiana156 months50 hours, 15 of which have to be at night
Massachusetts156 months70 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Maryland15, 9 months9 months60 hours, 10 of which have to be at night30
Maine166 months40 hours
Michigan14, 9 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Minnesota156 months50 hours, 15 of which have to be at night, 40 if parent completes course
Missouri1512 monthsNone
Mississippi156 months40 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Montana14, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
North Carolina156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night (none with driver education)
North Dakota15, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night (none with a defensive driving course)
Nebraska15, 6 monthsNone40 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
New Hampshire166 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night (effective 02/01/25)
New Jersey156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
New Mexico166 months50 hours, 15 of which have to be at night
Nevada159 months60 hours, 10 of which has to be at night, learner phase; 12 hours, 6 of which has to be at night, intermediate phase
New York14<16: 12 months; 16: 6 months or until age 18, whichever comes first<16: 50 hours; ≥ 16: none
Ohio15, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Oklahoma15, 6 months6 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Oregon156 months50 hours (100 hours without driver education)
Pennsylvania166 months65 hours, 10 of which have to be at night and 5 of which have to be in inclement weather
Rhode Island166 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
South Carolina156 months40 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
South Dakota149 months (6 months with driver education)50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night and 10 of which have to be during inclement weather
Tennessee156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Texas156 months30 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Utah156 months40 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Virginia1512 months40 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Vermont15, 6 months9 months45 hours, 15 of which have to be at night
Washington156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Wisconsin156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night (none with driver education)
West Virginia156 months50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night
Wyoming1510 days50 hours, 10 of which have to be at night

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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Intermediate stage

After you’ve logged sufficient time practicing on the road comes the intermediate GDL stage. Drivers in the intermediate stage are allowed to test for and get their state driver’s license but must drive with restrictions before having the same driving rights as more experienced drivers.

“The specific rules imposed upon an intermediate license holder will vary from state to state,” Joseph says. “For example, in New Jersey, after completing a motor vehicle test and attaining a probationary driver’s license, the license holder will be permitted to drive unsupervised. But they will still be restricted to driving between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., and the number of passengers allowed with an intermediate license remains restricted.”

In other states, the rules will vary, but the principle is the same: Get new drivers the experience they need to learn safe driving while not putting others at risk by restricting their access to the road, explains Joseph.

Here are the intermediate-stage rules that apply to each state:

State Minimum entry age (years) Nighttime restrictions Passenger rules (family members allowed unless noted)
Alaska16Midnight-6 a.m.No more than one passenger
Alabama161 a.m.-5 a.m.No passengers younger than 21
Arkansas16Midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcementNo more than 1 passenger younger than 18 secondary enforcement
Arizona1611 p.m.-4 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 21
California1611 p.m.-5 a.m. secondary enforcementNo passengers younger than 20 (limited exception for immediate family) secondary enforcement
Colorado16Midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcementFirst 6 months—no passengers; second 6 months—no more than one passenger secondary enforcement
Connecticut16, 4 months11 p.m. – 5 a.m.First 6 months—no passengers other than parents or a driving instructor; second 6 months—no passengers other than parents, driving instructor or members of the immediate family
Washington, D.C.16, 6 months10 p.m.-6 a.m.No more than 1 passenger
Delaware16, 6 monthsSeptember–June: 11 p.m.-6 a.m. Sun.–Thur., 12:01 a.m.-6 a.m. Sat.–Sun.; July–August: 12:01 a.m.-6 a.m.No passengers
Florida1611 p.m.-6 a.m. For 16-year-olds; 1 a.m.-5 a.m. For 17 year-oldsNone
Georgia16Midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcementFirst 6 months—no passengers; second 6 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 21; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers secondary enforcement
Hawaii1611 p.m.-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 18 (household members excepted)
Iowa1510 p.m.-5 a.m.Licensees 16 and younger can have no more than 1 passenger younger than 17
Idaho16Starts 10 p.m. Sun.-Thur., 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., ends 6 a.m.First 12 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 20
Illinois16, 3 monthsFirst 6 months, 10 p.m.-5 a.m.; thereafter, 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Sun.–Fri.; 1 a.m.-5 a.m. Sat.–Sun.No passengers
Indiana1612:30 a.m.-5 a.m.Parental discretion
Kansas169 p.m. – 5 a.m.No more than one passenger younger than 18
Kentucky16, 6 monthsMidnight-6 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 20 unless supervised by a driving instructor secondary enforcement
Louisiana1611 p.m. – 5 a.m.No more than one passenger younger than 21 between the hours of 6 pm-5 am; no passenger restriction from 5 am-6 pm
Massachusetts16Midnight-5 a.m.No passengers
Maryland16, 6 monthsMidnight-5 a.m.No passengers younger than 18 secondary enforcement
Maine16, 6 months12:30 a.m.-5 a.m. (between 12:30 a.m.-1 a.m. and 4 a.m.-5 a.m. The night driving and passenger restrictions are subject to secondary enforcement; enforcement is primary at all other times)No passengers younger than 18 (between 12:30 am–1 am and 4 am–5 am the night driving and passenger restrictions are secondarily enforced; enforcement is primary at all other times)
Michigan1610 p.m.-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 21
Minnesota16Midnight-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 20; second 6 months—no more than 3 passengers younger than 20
Missouri1610 p.m.-6 a.m. Sun.-Thur., 11:30 p.m.-6 a.m. Fri.-Sat.None
Mississippi161 a.m.-5 a.m.First 6 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 19; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers younger than 19
Montana1511 p.m.-5 a.m.First 6 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 18; second 6 months—no more than 3 passengers younger than 18
North Carolina16Midnight-6 a.m. secondary enforcementNo more than 1 passenger younger than 19 secondary enforcement
North Dakota1610 p.m.-5 a.m. secondary enforcementNo passengers younger than 18 secondary enforcement
Nebraska161 a.m.-4 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 25
New Hampshire1711 p.m. – 5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger (exception is limited to drivers’ dependents)
New Jersey15, 6 monthsMidnight-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 21
New Mexico16, 6 months9 p.m.-5 a.m. Except for New York City (unsupervised driving prohibited at all times) and Long Island (limited daytime unsupervised driving)No more than 1 passenger younger than 21
Nevada169 p.m.-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 21
New York16; 15 for a parent requested restricted licenseThe holder of a restricted license may only drive a car belonging to a parent or guardian and may not drive between the later of sunset or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.None
Ohio16Midnight-6 a.m. (first 12 months), 1 a.m.-5 a.m. (second 12 months) secondary enforcementFirst 12 months—no more than 1 passenger
Oklahoma1610 p.m.-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger
Oregon16Midnight-5 a.m.First 6 months–no passengers younger than 20; second 6 months–no more than 3 passengers younger than 20
Pennsylvania16, 6 months11 p.m.-5 a.m.First 6 months— no more than 1 passenger younger than 18; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers
Rhode Island16, 6 months1 a.m.-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 21
South Carolina15, 6 months6 p.m.-6 a.m. EST; 8 p.m.-6 a.m. EDTNo more than 2 passengers younger than 21 unless transporting students to and from school
South Dakota14, 9 months (14, 6 months with driver education)10 p.m.-6 a.m.First 6 months—no passengers; thereafter—no more than 1 passenger younger than 18
Tennessee1611 p.m.-6 a.m.No more than 1 passenger
Texas16Midnight-5 a.m. secondary enforcementNo more than 1 passenger younger than 21 secondary enforcement
Utah16Midnight-5 a.m.No passengers secondary enforcement
Virginia16NoneFirst 3 months—no passengers without exception; second 3 months—no passengers secondary enforcement
Vermont16, 3 monthsMidnight-4 a.m. secondary enforcementFirst 12 months—no more than 1 passenger younger than 21; thereafter, no more than 3 passengers younger than 21 secondary enforcement
Washington161 a.m.-5 a.m. secondary enforcementFirst 6 months—no passengers younger than 20; second 6 months—no more than 3 passengers younger than 20 secondary enforcement
Wisconsin1610 p.m. – 5 a.m.First 6 months—no passengers younger than 20; second 6 months–no more than 1 passenger younger than 20
West Virginia16Midnight-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger
Wyoming1611 p.m.-5 a.m.No more than 1 passenger younger than 18

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Full privilege

After getting sufficient supervised driving experience behind the wheel and completing restricted driving periods, young drivers attain full driving privileges. In most states, at this stage, the driver is allowed to have anyone in the car and drive at any time.

“Once drivers have completed the learner’s permit stage with a minimum number of hours logged and graduated to the intermediate stage with less supervision and a minimum number of months, they can apply for a full privilege driver’s license so long as they meet the minimum age requirement in their state,” says Lauren McKenzie, an insurance broker for Learnandserve.org, which is powered by A Plus Insurance. 

Here’s when each state allows full privileges:

State When nighttime restrictions may be lifted (years) When passenger restrictions may be lifted (years)
Alaska17 and licensed for 6 months (minimum age: 17)17 and licensed for 6 months (minimum age: 17)
Alabama6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
Arkansas6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
Arizonauntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)until age 18 (minimum age: 18)
California12 months after initial license (minimum age: 17)12 months after initial license (minimum age: 17)
Colorado12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
Connecticutuntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17, 4 months)
Washington, D.C.6 months or the issuance of a class D license (minimum age: 17)6 months or the issuance of a class D license (minimum age: 17)
Delaware6 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 18)6 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 18)10
Floridauntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)none
Georgiauntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)until age 18 (minimum age: 18)
Hawaii6 months and age 17 (minimum age: 17)6 months and age 17 (minimum age: 17)
Iowauntil age 16 (minimum age: 16)6 months or age 17 (minimum age: 15, 6 months)
Idahountil age 18 (minimum age: 18)12 months or until age 18 (minimum age: 17)
Illinois6 months and age 18 or until age 21, whichever occurs first (minimum age 18)186 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 9 or 17, 3 months without driver education)
Indiana12 months and age 17 or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)none
Kansas6 months or age 17, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)6 months or age 17, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
Kentucky6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
Louisianauntil age 17 (minimum age: 17)until age 17 (minimum age: 17)
Massachusetts9 months (minimum age: 16, 9 months)9 months (minimum age: 16, 9 months)
Marylanduntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)5 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 11 months)
Maineuntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
Michigan6 months and age 17 or until age 18 (minimum age 17)6 months and age 17 or until age 18 (minimum age 17)
Minnesota6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
Missouri6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)none
Mississippientire intermediate stage (minimum age: 17, 11 mo.)entire intermediate stage (minimum age: 17, 11 mo.)
Montana12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16)12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16)
North Carolina12 months or at age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)6 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
North Dakotauntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
Nebraskauntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
New Hampshire12 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 18)12 months or until age 21, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 18)
New Jersey12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
New Mexicountil age 17 with driver education; until age 18 without (minimum age: 17)until age 17 with driver education; until age 18 without (minimum age: 17)
Nevada6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
New Yorkuntil age 16 (minimum age: 16)none
Ohio24 months (minimum age: 18)12 months (minimum age: 17)
Oklahoma6 months with driver education, 12 months without or until age 18 (min age: 16, 6 months)6 months with driver education, 12 months without or until age 18 (min age: 16, 6 months)
Oregon12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
Pennsylvania12 months and age 17 if completed driver education or age 18 (minimum age: 17)12 months and age 17 if completed driver education or age 18 (minimum age: 17)
Rhode Island12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17, 6 months)12 months or age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17, 6 months)
South Carolina12 months and age 17 if the intermediate license has been held for at least 6 months (minimum age: 16, 6 months)12 months and age 17 if the intermediate license has been held for at least 6 months (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
South Dakotauntil age 16 (minimum age: 16)6 months or at age 16, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 15, 6 months)
Tennessee12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
Texasuntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)until age 18 (minimum age: 18)
Utahuntil age 17 (minimum age: 17)6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
Virginianone6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)
Vermontuntil age 18 (minimum age: 18)until age 18 (minimum age: 18)
Washington12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)12 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)77
Wisconsin12 months and age 17 or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)12 months and age 17 or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 17)
West Virginia9 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 9 months)9 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 9 months)
Wyoming6 months or until age 17, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)816 months or until age 17, whichever occurs first (minimum age: 16, 6 months)

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Driving age by state for different learning stages

The minimum age for entering the learner stage, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), ranges from 14-years-old in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota and South Dakota, to 16-years-old in Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“Teens in South Dakota can obtain an intermediate license as young as 14 and a half, provided that they take a driver education course. Otherwise, they need to wait until the minimum age of 14 years and 9 months,” says Joe Young, media relations director for the IIHS.

At the other end of the spectrum, the minimum age for unsupervised, but not full privilege, driving in New Jersey is 17.

“Some states require teens to wait until a set age for unrestricted driving, while others are based on time elapsed from the issuance of an intermediate license,” he says.

What state allows the youngest drivers to drive?

Teenagers in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota and South Dakota can apply for learner stage licenses as young as 14 years old, per Young. You have to be at least 14 years and 6 months in Idaho and Montana and a minimum of 14 years and 9 months in Michigan.

Why do some states have stricter teen driving laws than others?

Truth is, all states have graduated driver licensing laws in place, although they vary.

“The provisions typically require a three-stage licensing process that is designed to slowly expose new drivers to driving. GDL laws govern the ages at which new drivers can enter each stage,” Young says.

Barry Goldberg, a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, says several factors contribute to stricter teen driving laws in some states.

“One is higher crash rates: States with historically high crash rates involving teen drivers often implement stricter laws to address the issue,” Goldberg says. “Another is lobbying efforts, as advocacy groups concerned about teen driver safety may push for stricter laws in certain states.”

How old do you have to be to drive out of state?

Most states require teen drivers to abide by the rules set by the licensing state, according to Young, and state licensing requirements do not usually place age restrictions on permit-holding or intermediate license-holding teens driving out of their licensing state.

“Generally, most states allow out-of-state drivers with valid licenses to drive if they meet the minimum age requirement for their license class in their home state,” Goldberg says. “This minimum age typically ranges from 16 to 18 years old.”  

Can a 12-year-old drive?

In most states, teen drivers are not legally allowed to drive at age 12. However, a few states, such as Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho and Michigan, let teenagers drive at the age of 14.

In what states can you drive in at age 13?

Currently, no state in the country allows you to drive at younger than 14 years of age. So if you are age 13, you will have to wait at least a year until you can apply for and receive your learner’s permit, depending on your state of residency.

In what state can you drive at age 14?

Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota are the only states that currently allow you to drive with a learner’s permit as young as age 14. Some of these states require you to wait six to nine months after your 14th birthday.

In what state can you drive at age 15?

Currently, you can drive at the age of 15 in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Be aware that some of these states mandate that you be a few months older than 15 years.

What states allow 16-year-old drivers?

In all other states – including Connecticut, Washington DC, Delaware, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island – you must be a minimum of 16 years old to begin driving with a learner’s permit.

Are there any 17-year-old driving restrictions?

Yes. Many states have Graduated Driver License (GDL) laws that restrict where and when a 17-year-old can drive. These laws typically require a new driver’s drive time to be limited to daytime hours, a passenger over a certain age to be present in the vehicle, passengers under a certain age shouldn’t be present in the vehicle, no cell phone use and limited to and from trips to work and school

How old do you have to be to have a passenger in your car?

When driving with a learner’s permit, you may be allowed to have passengers as long as an adult parent, legal guardian, or licensed trained professional present is in the passenger seat, depending on state laws. Most states have restrictions on passengers for the first six to 12 months after passing your road test. As you graduate to higher levels of driving, more passengers with fewer restrictions are allowed. Even after receiving your full privilege driver’s license, your state may still impose restrictions on who can ride with you and the age of those passengers. To learn more, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Final thoughts: State laws for teen drivers

State laws for teen drivers vary widely across the United States, but most states have implemented a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. This system typically involves a series of stages that gradually increase driving privileges as the teen gains experience and demonstrates safe driving behaviors. GDL programs have been shown to reduce crash rates among teen drivers.

In addition to GDL requirements, many states have restrictions on cell phone use, nighttime driving, and the number of passengers allowed in the car with a teen driver. It is important for teen drivers and their parents to be aware of these specific laws in their state and to follow them closely to ensure safe driving practices.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 16-year-old drive out of state?

According to attorney Jobin Joseph, whether or not a teenage driver can drive to another state will depend on their home state’s rules that issued their license in the state they intend to go to. Some states allow drivers with valid learner’s permits from any other state to drive into their state. Other states prohibit drivers with learner’s permits from doing so. Joseph recommends contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state and the state you intend to drive into to determine what rules and restrictions apply.

Can a 17-year-old drive out of state?

This will depend on the rules of the state that issued your permit or license as well as the rules of the state you want to drive to, per attorney Jobin Joseph. He recommends contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles in both states to understand applicable laws.

How many passengers can a 16-year-old driver have?

While every state has its own set of rules regarding who can drive and how many passengers they are permitted, most states allow no more than one passenger if you are 16 or younger, according to attorney Jobin Joseph. It’s always best to check first with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles regarding passenger rules for young drivers.

Can a 16-year-old drive out of state alone?

The answer will depend on whether the 16-year-old is permitted to drive independently by the state that issued their license, according to Joe Young with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some states, like New Jersey, do not issue independent/intermediate licenses to teens below age 17, so any independent driving by a 16-year-old would not be permitted in these states.

How late in the day or night can a 16-year-old drive?

Vermont is currently the only state without any nighttime restriction on drivers during the intermediate phase, per Joe Young with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Many states impose restrictions on nighttime driving for drivers in the intermediate stage that start between 10 p.m. and midnight. South Carolina has the strongest provision in this category, with restrictions starting at 6 p.m. EST and at 8 p.m. during daylight savings time.

expert

What our expert says

Q: When can a teen apply for a full-privilege license?

expert-image
Lauren McKenzieInsurance broker/agent, A Plus Insurance
“Once drivers have completed the learner’s permit stage with a minimum number of hours logged and graduated to the intermediate stage with less supervision and a minimum number of months, they can apply for a full-privilege driver’s license so long as they meet the minimum age requirement in their state.” 
author image
Erik Martin
Contributing Researcher

 
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Erik J. Martin is a Chicago area-based freelance writer whose articles have been published by AARP The Magazine, The Motley Fool, The Costco Connection, USAA, US Chamber of Commerce, Bankrate, The Chicago Tribune, and other publications. He often writes on topics related to insurance, real estate, personal finance, business, technology, health care, and entertainment. Erik also hosts a podcast and publishes several blogs, including Martinspiration.com and Cineversegroup.com.

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