Graduated Driver License (GDL)

Teen Drivers Age16-17 Involved in Crashes after Passage of GDL (2000-2008) Fact Sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some questions and answers about Oklahoma's Graduated Driver License law and how it will affect young people under the age of 17.

Questions

What is GDL?
Why do we need a GDL program?
Do other states have GDL, too?
What happens if I am convicted of a traffic offense?
Does the driver education course I take have to be given by a high school?

What is GDL?

GDL stands for "Graduated Driver License". The GDL program gradually phases in driving privileges for new teen drivers as they gain experience behind the wheel.
Why do we need a GDL program?

Because Oklahoma's teenage drivers have more crashes than any other age group. This is one reason insurance premiums are so high for teen drivers. During their first year of driving, 25% of 16 year-olds either receive a ticket or are involved in a crash.
Do other states have GDL, too?

Yes, all 50 states have some version of Graduated Driver License, as established by their laws.
What happens if I am convicted of a traffic offense?

You will remain at your current GDL level (learner or intermediate) until six (6) months from the date of conviction has elapsed.
Does the driver education course I take have to be given by a high school?

No. You may take any driver education course that has been certified by the Department of Public Safety, including parent-taught driver education and licensed commercial driving schools. See the chart below for more information.

Graduated Driver License (GDL) Chart

Below is a chart showing how the new GDL will affect drivers between the ages of 15 and 18.

License Type	Driving Privileges	Requirements With Driver Education *	Requirements Without Driver Education
No License	When: While receiving instruction from and accompanied by a certified driver education instructor	• At least 15 years old • While receiving instruction from a certified instructor	(Not eligible)
Learner Permit	When: While accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old	• At least 15 1/2 years old • Must be currently receiving instruction in or have completed driver education • Must have passed written driving exam • Must have passed vision exam	• At least 16 years old • Must have passed written driving exam • Must have passed vision exam
Intermediate License	When: 5am to 10pm, unless for activities related to school, church, or work OR Any time if accompanied by licensed driver at least 21years old Passengers: 1 passenger OR Only people who live in driver's home OR Any passenger if accompanied by licensed driver at least 21years old	• Must have a Learner Permit for at least 6 months • Must have had at least 50 hrs (10 hrs at night) of behind-the-wheel training from licensed driver at least 21 years old and licensed for at least 2 years • Must have no traffic convictions on driving record • Must have passed driving skills exam	• Must have a Learner Permit for at least 6 months • Must have had at least 50 hrs (10 hrs at night) of behind-the-wheel training from licensed driver at least 21 years old and licensed for at least 2 years • Must have no traffic convictions on driving record • Must have passed driving skills exam
Unrestricted License	When: unrestricted Passengers: unrestricted	• Must have an Intermediate License for at least 6 months • Must have no traffic convictions on driving record OR • Must be at least 18 years old • Must have passed all driving and vision exams	• Must have an Intermediate License for at least 1 year • Must have no traffic convictions on driving record OR • Must be at least 18 years old • Must have passed all driving and vision exams