Probationary License
- Kim Lapp
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
The first license you will receive after passing your skills/driving test at the DMV is a probationary license. You must be at least 16 years old. Remember that phones are not allowed while driving unless you need to report an emergency.
Restrictions on the probationary license (GDL – Graduated Driver License):
You might hear the restricted license called a graduated driver license (GDL). If you are under 18 years old, you will have specific restrictions on who can ride with you and the hours you can drive. These restrictions help reduce distractions for new drivers and limit the number of people in the car. These restrictions are required for the first nine months, unless you turn 18 years old before then. You do not need to get a new license after the GDL restrictions are complete. These restrictions are below:
From 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. (midnight), you can drive:
Alone and go anywhere
Any number of immediate family members can ride along
One other person
From 12 p.m. (midnight) to 5 a.m, you can drive:
Alone only IF driving between home, school and/or work.
One other person
The graduated driver license restrictions will be extended six months if:
You are convicted of a moving traffic violation, or
You violate any of the restrictions, or
Your license is suspended or revoked for any reason
The restrictions are similar to the permit as the points on second or future convictions double. This means that if you get pulled over by a police officer and issued a ticket you might get points added to your license.
Once you turn 18 the graduated driver license hours and passenger restrictions no longer apply.
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