Since much of what novice drivers need to learn about responsible driving can only come from behind-the-wheel experience, new drivers must have an opportunity to gain experience in the safest possible on-road environment.

With its restrictions, Missouri's GDL system is designed to ease young drivers into the traffic environment through more controlled exposure to progressively more difficult driving experiences. The system also encourages responsible driving because the young drivers are required to have crash- and conviction-free records before moving on to new stages. They are motivated to be safe drivers in each stage or they will not be allowed to advance (see chart below). Restrictions are lifted as rewards for good driving, and sanctions are imposed for violations.

Parents are essential to the new law. The system requires parents to actively take part in preparing their teen-agers for driving. While most parents accepted the task of teaching their teens to drive in the past, the new law just spells out more clearly the minimum number of hours of practice their teens should have before moving on to the next licensing level.

While some teens may feel the new law discriminates against them, it actually protects them. Just as teens are not allowed to conduct certain work or perform legal or financial transactions without direct parental involvement, they should not be allowed to drive until they have learned how to do it safely. Additionally, delaying full licensure does not significantly hinder extracurricular and social activities. A survey by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of more than 50,000 high school students in seven states found that the social life and work patterns of 16-year-olds were generally unaffected by the beginning driving age in their state.

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