There is no question that, for safety's sake, graduated driver licensing limits mobility for younger teens. Delaying full licensure does not significantly hinder extracurricular and social activities, however. But most driver education programs do not allow for significant hours of practice driving, and that is what new drivers need. Driving is a skill that improves with time and maturity. A graduated driver licensing system rewards good driving by allowing the safe novice driver to move ahead to the next step.
Parents face a real dilemma when it comes to teen driving.
On the other hand, they are fearful of the increased risks this brings. Parents strongly support graduated driver licensing, despite some minor inconveniences to themselves. More importantly, graduated driver licensing gets parents more involved by asking them to ensure their children get enough supervised driving practice. The longer period of supervised driving gives parents and teens plenty of opportunity not only to practice but also to discuss driving skills, attitudes and behaviors. Parents also may feel more secure once their teens are fully licensed because they have more experience and maturity to handle difficult situations on the road.