Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to help young, inexperienced drivers gain the skills and experience they need to drive safely. These laws typically involve a three-stage process: the learner's permit stage, the intermediate stage, and the full-privilege stage.

During the learner's permit stage, new drivers are required to practice driving under supervision, usually for a set number of hours, before they can move on to the next stage. For example, in some states, teens must log a minimum number of supervised driving hours, such as 50 hours, before they can progress to the next stage of the GDL program.

At the intermediate stage, drivers are typically allowed to drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions, such as limits on nighttime driving or the number of passengers allowed in the car. For instance, a GDL law might restrict newly licensed drivers from driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 21.

Finally, at the full-privilege stage, drivers are granted unrestricted driving privileges. This typically occurs after the driver has successfully completed all requirements of the GDL program, including any mandated driver education courses and a clean driving record.

It's important for parents to understand their state's specific GDL laws and to enforce these rules with their teen drivers. Research has shown that GDL laws can significantly reduce the risk of crashes and fatalities among young drivers.

For more information on your state's GDL laws, you can visit the website of your state's department of motor vehicles or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.