Teen drivers face higher crash risk. California's graduated driver licensing (GDL) system eases new drivers into full driving privileges in stages, reducing risk during the highest-risk early months.
Provisional license restrictions
For the first 12 months, provisional drivers under 18 may not carry passengers under 20 without supervision and may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a qualifying exception. These restrictions target the highest-risk conditions for new drivers.
Why teen crash risk is higher
Inexperience, distraction, and nighttime driving all contribute. Pair the GDL rules with distraction-free habits and defensive driving.
