Getting on the road is a major milestone for teenage drivers in Michigan and Ohio. In either of these states, understanding the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws is crucial to ensuring a safe and successful driving experience. What should teens and their parents know about these licensing systems?
Michigan’s GDL licensing system
Michigan’s GDL system is designed to gradually introduce teenage drivers to the complexities of driving. It consists of three levels:
- Learner’s license: To receive this license, teenagers must be at least 14 years and 8 months old and have completed Segment 1 of a driver education course and passed a vision test. When driving, these teens must have a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the car.
- Intermediate license: After having held a Level 1 license for at least six months, completing Segment 2 of driver education and passing a road skills test, teens 16 and older can qualify for an intermediate license. Drivers with this license cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or for work/school purposes. The state also limits the number of passengers they can carry.
- Full license: Teens 17 and older can get a full license if they have held a Level 2 license for at least six months and have had no violations or accidents during the Level 2 period.
Ohio’s GDL licensing system
Ohio’s GDL system also aims to ensure that teenage drivers gain experience gradually and safely. It consists of three main phases:
- Temporary instruction permit: Teenagers of at least 15 and a half years old who have passed a vision and knowledge test can get a temporary instruction permit. Under this permit, they can drive with a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the vehicle.
- Probationary license: Teens age 16 or older who have held a permit for at least six months can take a test to get a probationary license after 24 hours of classroom education, 8 hours of driving training, and 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night). A probationary license allows teens to drive alone. These drivers cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or for work/school purposes. They also cannot use hands-free electronic devices in the vehicle.
- Full license: Drivers gradually gain additional driving privileges. After one year of driving, teens can drive with passengers in the vehicle, and at age 18 the law removes other restrictions.
Understanding these levels can help teens in Michigan and Ohio get on the road safely
Safe driving at every phase of Ohio and Michigan’s licensing systems can help young drivers protect themselves and move toward full licensure. By following these guidelines and fostering open communication, parents and teenagers can ensure that young drivers avoid car accidents and can fully enjoy this important new freedom.