Missouri's Graduated Drivers License

A lack of behind-the-wheel experience puts new drivers at a higher risk for traffic crashes. The more they practice under supervision, the better they will handle different situations on the road.

The Missouri Graduated Driver License, or GDL law, is the single most effective tool in reducing teen crashes.  Missouri GDL is a three-step licensing system designed to help teen drivers receive education and guidance to help reduce things shown to cause the greatest risk for new drivers.

Some of the highest driving risk factors for teens include driving at night, with multiple passengers, distracted and unbelted.  Parents make the First Impact by limiting exposure to high-risk situations.

It is the hope that acquiring mature driving skills and judgment will be a rewarding and safe experience for both the new driver and their parents.

Missouri's Graduated Driver License law requires that all first-time drivers between 15 and 18 years old complete a period of driving with a licensed driver (instruction permit), and restricted driving (intermediate license), before getting a full driver license.

If the permit holder is under age 16, the licensed driver occupying the seat beside the permit holder for the purpose of giving instruction while driving must be a qualified person, grandparent, qualified driving instructor, or in case of disability (of the parent, grandparent or guardian), their designee.

At age 16, the driver may apply for an intermediate license. The intermediate license allows the driver to drive alone except during a late night curfew (1:00 am to 5:00 am). The driver and passengers must use seat belts, be free of alcohol and drugs, and obey the traffic laws.

At age 18, or within the 30 days immediately preceding his/her 18th birthday, the intermediate license holder may apply for a full driver license.

Definitions

Immediate family shall include parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, stepbrothers, stepsisters, and adopted or foster children residing in the driver's household. Parent shall include a foster parent, stepparent or adoptive parent. Grandparent shall include a foster grandparent, step-grandparent or adoptive grandparent.

Qualified driving instructor is defined as an instructor who has a valid driver education endorsement on a teaching certificate issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or a driver training instructor employed by a private driver education program.

Qualified person is a parent, legal guardian, or a certified trainer with a federal residential job training program with a valid drivers license.

The Missouri GDL law is the minimum, not maximum standard. The goal should be to exceed what is in Missouri’s law to keep your teen safe during his or her most dangerous driving years.

FIVE CRITICAL GDL STEPS THAT NEED TO BE ENFORCED:

1. Increase practice driving hours.  Forty hours of driving practice is the minimum with at least 10 hours occurring at night, but 100 hours is better.

2. Limit nighttime driving. Your teen may NOT drive alone between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

3. Limit passengers. Only transport one passenger during first six months of independent driving.

4. Enforce safety belt use.  Ensure the driver and all passengers wear safety belts.

5.  Create and enforce a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.  Parents and teens work together to establish safe driving rules and the consequences for breaking the rules.

Also keep in mind that laws for drivers under 21 applies to all steps of the GDL, such as texting.  Missouri law prohibits drivers 21 years and younger from sending, reading or writing an electronic message while behind the wheel, including when stopped in traffic.  The fine for texting while driving is $200.  Two points will be assessed on the driving record for each conviction.

Missouri also has a zero alcohol and zero drug tolerance law.  Zero tolerance in Missouri means anyone under 21 driving with a BAC of .02% or higher will have his or her license suspended for 30 days.

Make sure you fully understand the Graduated Driver License law, then:  Be patient, it takes many years of practice to become an experienced driver.

Source: First Impact MO and Missouri Department of Revenue