It is designed to help young drivers gain the knowledge and skills they need to drive a motor vehicle safely. While graduated licensing is a relatively new method of licensing young drivers, it has been introduced in some states, including California, Florida, New York and Wisconsin. The goal of graduated licensing is to reduce crashes, serious injuries, and traffic-related fatalities involving new, young drivers. Evidence shows that young, inexperienced drivers pose serious safety threats not just to themselves, but to other drivers who share the road. Statistics show teen drivers are over represented in at-fault crashes and fatal crashes.
Young drivers lack experience and are often prone to risk taking behavior.
The restrictions in place at each level of licensing are intended to help young drivers develop safe driving habits, while allowing them to gain knowledge, skills and experience. Public Act 387 takes effect on April 1, 1997. Teens and their parents. Before a young driver can obtain driving privileges at Level 1, written approval from a parent or legal guardian is required. Under the graduated licensing program and until the young driver reaches age 18, a parent or guardian will be sent information by the Secretary of State about any violations of the graduated license law received by the young driver.