Why Do Novice Drivers Have Passenger Restrictions?

Graduated Driver’s License Programs

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. Authorities design GDL programs to help new drivers gain driving experience over time and limit the risks of accidents.

Typically, such a program contains three steps or phases. In most states, the first steps mean issuing an initial learner’s permit and, later, an intermediate license.

The permit phase includes supervised practice to allow young drivers to mature and develop their skills in the presence of an adult and licensed driver. A supervising driver is typically a parent, legal guardian, or another adult who is at least 21 years old.

The intermediate phase, during which the novice driver usually can drive without a supervising driver, has several restrictions, including a limit on the number of passengers.

Why is There a Passenger Restriction?

The passenger restriction is in place because of the risk-taking behavior that peer pressure among teenagers triggers.

Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that young, novice drivers are two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in potentially risky behaviors when driving with a peer than when driving alone.

Studies also show that young men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior than women.

The More, The Scarier…

According to NHTSA, the risk of a fatal crash went up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car. When driving with multiple teenage peers, the likelihood increased three times.

In the presence of peers, distractions for teen drivers like loud conversation and horseplay are more common. On the other hand, studies showed that electronic device use was less common in the presence of passengers.

Strong Laws Save Lives

Research shows that states with the strongest GDL laws also have reduced teen driver deaths more than states with weaker laws. Raising the age limits and having teenagers wait longer before they get a permit or a full license has also proven to save lives.

Forty-seven states and D.C. restrict the number of passengers during the intermediate stage (source Governors Highway Safety Association – GHSA). Some have less strict rules for the number of passengers during the intermediate phase.

What You Must Know

If you are a young driver and apply for a permit or intermediate license, you must know the minimum age for unsupervised driving, night curfews, and passenger limitations. Permit knowledge tests may have questions about the GDL rules to ensure you know them.

You should also know that most states have laws restricting the use of electronic devices, like cell phones, for young drivers. Thirty-seven states and D.C. prohibit cell phone use by novice drivers (source: (source GHSA).

Check the Rules in Your State

Of course, permit test questions and answers on our practice tests also include GDL restrictions and rules. Study your driver’s manual or driver handbook to look up a specific state’s requirements and what questions are likely to appear on your test.

Permit Test Questions