A Summary of the Graduate Driver’s Licensing Law

Effective August 15, 2000

 Information taken from publication by the American Automobile Association (AAA) of Oklahoma

 What is GDL?

GDL stands for Graduated Driver Licensing, a way to gradually phase-in driving privileges for new teen drivers as they gain experience behind the wheel.

Why do we need GDL?

Oklahoma’s teenage drivers have more crashes that 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-old drivers either receive a traffic ticket, or are involved in a crash.

Are other states passing GDL laws too?

Only a handful of states have not passed GDL legislation.

How does Oklahoma’s GDL Law work?

It works one way for students who take Driver Education and another way for students who elect not to take an available driver education course.

What happens if you break the rules and are convicted of a moving violation?

GLD provisions (restriction G) will be in effect until you reach age 17.

What if my school does not offer driver education?

The provisions of the Oklahoma GDL law do not apply to you. At age 16, you may take the necessary driver license tests and obtain an unrestricted Class D license.

Does the driver education course I take have to be given by a high school?

Any driver education course that has been certified by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety will qualify you for the GDL program, including commercial driving school courses.

Can my parents give me driver education instruction?

Yes, and that will entitle you to enter the GDL program at age 15 1/2 . Parents or legal guardians must certify by sworn affidavit to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety that the will make sure the teenager gets a minimum of 25 hours of actual behind-the-wheel training from a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old, and who has been licensed to drive for at least 2 years.

Does this law affect motorcycle licenses?

No.

 Teenagers who take a driver education course:

Teens who take a Driver Education Course may drive at age 15, but only with a driver education instructor sitting next to them in the front seat of the vehicle.  At age 15 ½, those students in a driver education class take a written test and receive a learner’s permit without the GDL restriction. This entitles the student to drive, but only with a licensed driver at least 21 years of age in the front seat with them.

 At age 16, driver education students may take the written and driving tests, and obtain their unrestricted Class D driver license.  Those who obtain a learner’s permit must have the permit at least 30 days before taking the driving examination.  This also applies to teenagers who are instructed by their parents or guardian, and who supply a sworn affidavit to the Department of Public Safety.

Teenagers who do not take a driver education course:

At age 16, teenager may take the written and driving tests and obtain a restricted Class D driver license, with restriction G. This entitles them to drive during daylight hours. Teenager may also drive at night, but only to and from school functions, work, or church activities.  If a parent or guardian is a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle, the teen may drive at any time. 

The teenager is permitted only one passenger, excluding family members.  If the teen’s parent is a passenger in the front seat next to the teen driver, then additional passengers are permitted.

At age 16 ½, those who have been issued a restricted Class D license (with restriction G) for at least 30 days, and who have not been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled no contest to any moving violation may take a driving test and obtain a full, unrestricted Class D driver license.

 For further information, call the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety,

Driver License Division, at (405) 425-7745.