Graduated Driving Licences: What They Are, Why Parents Support Them, and Why They Matter
What Is a Graduated Driving Licence?
A Graduated Driving Licence (GDL) is a system that introduces new drivers to full driving privileges in stages, rather than granting unrestricted access immediately after passing the driving test.
In countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and parts of the USA, new drivers may face temporary restrictions including:
- Limits on the number of young passengers
- Night-time driving restrictions
- Lower legal alcohol limits
- Mandatory additional training or logbook hours
- Stricter penalties for offense’s
Why Do So Many Parents Want Graduated Licences?
Drivers aged 17–24 are disproportionately involved in serious road traffic collisions. Inexperience, peer pressure, speed, night driving and distraction are often contributing factors.
Parents often worry about late-night driving, multiple passengers in the vehicle, overconfidence immediately after passing, and high-speed rural roads. A graduated system is viewed as a way to reduce risk during the most dangerous period of a driver’s life.
