All 50 states use a 3-stage GDL system. Learn each stage's requirements, night driving limits, passenger rules, and which states are strictest.
All 50 states have a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) system with three stages: a learner's permit, a restricted (provisional) license, and a full unrestricted license. The goal of every GDL program is the same — to let new drivers build skills gradually before they're fully on their own. What varies dramatically from state to state is how long each stage lasts and exactly what's restricted.
Key Takeaways
- GDL has three stages: learner's permit, restricted license, full license
- Nearly every state requires supervised driving hours (typically 40–65) before advancing
- Night driving and passenger limits are the most common restrictions in the restricted stage
- Some states restrict driving until age 18; others allow full licenses at 16
- Wheelingo offers free, state-specific practice tests so you understand your exact state's rules before you ever walk into the DMV
Stage 1: Learner's Permit
A learner's permit is your legal right to practice driving — but only with a licensed adult in the passenger seat. You typically need to be at least 15 or 16, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a small fee. Most states require you to hold the permit for at least six months before you can apply for a restricted license.
Stage 2: Restricted (Provisional) License
Once you've logged enough supervised hours, you can apply for a restricted license. This lets you drive alone — but with conditions. Common restrictions include no driving after 9 or 10 p.m., a limit on non-family passengers, and a complete ban on handheld phones.
Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License
After holding your restricted license without violations for a set period (usually 6–12 months), and after reaching a certain age (often 17 or 18), restrictions are lifted. You're now a fully licensed driver with no special conditions.
| Stage | Typical Requirements | Duration | Common Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learner's Permit | Pass written test, licensed adult supervisor required | 6–12 months minimum | Supervised driving only, often no highway driving initially |
| Restricted License | Supervised hours complete (40–65 hrs), clean record | 6–12 months minimum | Night driving curfew, 1–2 passenger limit, no handheld phones |
| Full License | Age requirement met (usually 17–18), no violations | Permanent | None |
Night Driving Curfews
Most states prohibit restricted-license holders from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Some states, like New Jersey, set the curfew as early as 11:01 p.m. Others, like Connecticut, cut off at 11 p.m. on weekdays but midnight on weekends. Exceptions usually exist for work, school, or religious activities — but you typically need documentation.
Passenger Limits
A restricted license holder in California can't carry more than one passenger under 20 for the first year. In New Jersey, you can't carry any passengers under 21 (with limited exceptions) for the first six months. These rules exist because crash risk multiplies with each teen passenger in the car.
Phone Bans
Handheld phone use while driving is banned for all drivers in most states, but GDL programs typically extend this to completely hands-free devices as well. Even a Bluetooth call can be restricted during the provisional stage in several states.
| State | Minimum Permit Age | Supervised Hours Required | Restricted Stage Length | Night Curfew |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 16 | 6 months holding period | 1 year | 11:01 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
| California | 15.5 | 50 hours (10 at night) | 12 months | 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
| Florida | 15 | 50 hours (10 at night) | 12 months | 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. |
| South Dakota | 14 | 6 months holding period | Shorter; full license at 16 | 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. |
| Texas | 15 | 30 hours (10 at night) | 12 months | Midnight – 5 a.m. |
| Michigan | 14 years 9 months | 50 hours (10 at night) | 12 months | 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. |
Strictest Programs: New Jersey, California, and Connecticut consistently rank among the most restrictive GDL programs. New Jersey is particularly comprehensive — new drivers can't use any handheld or hands-free device and must display a special "GDL" decal on their vehicle.
Most Lenient Programs: South Dakota allows teens to apply for a learner's permit at 14 and can earn a full license relatively early. Montana and Wyoming have fewer restricted-stage hours and shorter holding periods compared to most states.
Understanding your state's GDL rules isn't just important for safe driving — it's also directly tested on your knowledge exam. Questions about night driving curfews, passenger limits, and phone restrictions appear regularly on written tests. Missing even one of these questions can affect your score.
Before you take the test, Wheelingo lets you practice with real, state-specific questions that match your state's actual GDL rules — completely free, no account needed.
What are the three stages of a graduated driver's license? The three stages are: (1) a learner's permit, which requires a licensed adult supervisor; (2) a restricted or provisional license, which allows solo driving with conditions like night curfews and passenger limits; and (3) a full unrestricted license once all requirements and age thresholds are met.
Can parents modify or remove GDL restrictions? In most states, parents cannot override state-mandated GDL restrictions. Some states do allow a parent or guardian to sign a waiver or provide a note authorizing exceptions (like late-night driving for work), but the core restrictions are set by law.
What happens if you violate GDL restrictions? Violations vary by state but typically include fines, license suspension, and — critically — a reset of your restricted-stage clock. A single serious violation can delay your path to a full license by several months.
At what age do GDL restrictions fully lift? In most states, restrictions fully lift between ages 17 and 18, assuming you've held a restricted license long enough and maintained a clean record. A few states extend some restrictions until age 21 for drivers who receive violations.
Is Wheelingo free to use for GDL practice? Yes, Wheelingo is 100% free. There's no account required, no subscription, and no paywalled content. You can practice state-specific questions about GDL rules, road signs, and traffic laws as many times as you need — right up until test day.