Tennessee’s three-level GDL program for teen drivers Getting a driver’s license is a major milestone for Tennessee teens, but it does not happen all at once. The state uses a graduated driver license system, often called GDL, to help new drivers build skill and judgment before they receive full driving privileges. For most families, the […]
Florida’s 6-hour DETS course requirement: what families need to know Florida changed the starting point for many teen drivers. For years, families were used to hearing about the 4-hour TLSAE course, sometimes called the drug and alcohol course. Now, most new Florida drivers under 18 must complete the 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety course before […]
Delaware’s Level One Learner’s Permit: the first and second six months Getting a learner’s permit is a big step for a teen driver, but in Delaware it is not just a one-time DMV appointment. The Level One Learner’s Permit is a 12-month graduated driver licensing period with different rules during the first six months and […]
Alabama’s three-stage graduated driver license: a parent-and-teen roadmap Learning to drive in Alabama is not a one-step process for most teens. The state uses a graduated driver license system, often called GDL, to move young drivers from supervised practice to limited independent driving and then to a full regular license. For parents, the system can […]
Pennsylvania begins enforcement of Paul Miller’s Law Pennsylvania’s distracted driving rules changed in a major way when the state moved from warnings to citations under Paul Miller’s Law. For new drivers, the message is simple: do not hold, support, reach for or manually use a phone or other interactive mobile device while driving. The Pennsylvania […]
Utah’s 2026 learner-permit supervision change: stepparents and foster parents Utah made a small but important change to its learner-permit supervision rules in 2026. Under Utah SB 22 Minor Driving Hours Amendments, the state clarified that a stepparent or foster parent can supervise a minor with a learner permit when the adult meets the licensing and […]
Illinois expands Scott’s Law for emergency scenes Illinois has expanded Scott’s Law to give emergency workers, first responders and people involved in roadside emergencies more protection from passing traffic. For new drivers, this is not just another rule to memorize for a permit test. It is one of the most important real-world safety laws to […]
School zone laws in Ohio every teen should know Driving near a school is different from driving on an ordinary neighborhood street. The speed limit may change, buses may stop suddenly, crossing guards may step into the roadway, and students can appear from between parked cars with very little warning. For a new driver, that […]
California highway driving tips for teens Highway driving is one of the biggest milestones for a new teen driver in California. Residential streets help you learn steering, stopping and basic right-of-way, but highways and freeways add higher speeds, shorter decision windows, heavier traffic, lane changes, merging lanes, ramps, large trucks and distracted drivers. The goal […]
Washington state expands mandatory driver education requirements Washington is changing how young adults get their first driver license. For years, mandatory driver education in Washington mostly applied to teens seeking a license before age 18. A new state law now phases in driver training requirements for first-time adult applicants, beginning with 18-year-olds on January 1, […]