Cameron Miranda
Driving licenses are issued by the department of motor vehicles (or equivalent) in each state, and the laws governing them vary from state to state. For example, the minimum age to obtain a restricted driver's license in the US ranges from 14 years, three months in South Dakota to 17 in New Jersey. In New York, the Green Light Law allows all New Yorkers aged 16 and older to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver's license regardless of their citizenship status. In California, minors are restricted from transporting people under the age of 20 for the first 12 months of licensure unless they are family members. Drivers of large and heavy vehicles or vehicles with at least 16 passengers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL), and federal law requires commercial drivers to be at least 21 years old.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a restricted driver's license in the US | 14 years, three months (South Dakota) to 17 years (New Jersey) |
| Minimum age for a commercial driver's license | 18 years old |
| Minimum age for operating a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce | 21 years old |
| Driver's license format | Number or alphanumeric code, photograph, signature, address, type or class of license, restrictions, endorsements, physical characteristics (height, weight, hair color, eye color), birth date |
| Orientation of driver's license | Vertical for under 21s, horizontal for over 21s |
| Driver's license laws | Graduated licensing laws, Administrative License Suspension (ALS), "implied consent" laws |
| Digital driver's licenses | Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Utah, California, Delaware, Louisiana |
| Driver's license privacy | Social Security numbers prohibited on new licenses due to identity theft concerns |
| Driver's license and citizenship | New York's Green Light Law allows applicants over 16 regardless of citizenship or lawful status in the US |
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What You'll Learn
Graduated licensing laws
In most states, these laws impose certain restrictions on new drivers, such as limits on carrying passengers and curfews for young drivers. For example, in California, minors are prohibited from transporting people under the age of 20 during the first 12 months of licensure unless they are family members. Similarly, in Utah, drivers under 18 are restricted from driving people outside their immediate family during their first six months with a license.
The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system typically consists of three phases: the learner's permit, the intermediate license, and the full license. During the learner's permit phase, new drivers are only allowed to drive under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. The intermediate license allows for unsupervised driving but with certain restrictions, such as limits on driving at night or with teenage passengers. The duration of each phase is specified by the state, and the driver must remain conviction-free during this time.
The GDL system aims to reduce risk and exposure for new drivers. By requiring supervision during the initial stages and gradually granting more driving privileges, young drivers can gain experience in less risky situations. This approach has been shown to reduce crashes among young drivers, as seen in New Jersey's GDL system, which has significantly reduced crashes among 16 and 17-year-old drivers.
In addition to passenger and curfew restrictions, graduated licensing laws may also include provisions such as mandatory practice driving hours, supervised by a licensed adult, and restrictions on cell phone use while driving for drivers under a certain age. These laws can vary in their specifics from state to state, with some states imposing stricter requirements than others.
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Driver's license requirements
In the United States, driver's licenses are issued by the state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) or equivalent. The minimum age to obtain a restricted driver's license varies from 14 years, three months in South Dakota to 17 in New Jersey. Most states have a graduated licensing law for newly licensed teenage drivers, with restrictions on whether they may carry passengers and how many, as well as a curfew. For example, in Utah, drivers under 18 cannot drive people outside their immediate family for the first six months.
To obtain a driver's license, an applicant must first obtain a learner's permit. This requires passing a written test and then, after completing pre-licensing requirements, a road test. The minimum age for a permit in New York State is 16. In California, minors may not transport people under 20 for the first 12 months of licensure unless they are family members.
Driver's licenses usually include a photograph, signature, primary residence address, license type or class, restrictions, endorsements, physical characteristics, and birth date of the bearer. Social Security Numbers are prohibited from appearing on new licenses due to identity theft concerns.
Drivers of large and heavy vehicles, vehicles with at least 16 passengers, or hazardous materials must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). The minimum age for a CDL is generally 18, but federal law requires commercial drivers to be at least 21 for interstate commerce. An unrestricted driver's license is required before a CDL can be issued.
Some states, such as New York, have enacted laws like the Green Light Law, which allows residents 16 and older to apply for a standard driver's license regardless of their citizenship or legal status in the US. Under this law, licenses are marked "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES", meaning they cannot be used for domestic flights or to enter certain federal buildings.
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Commercial driver's licenses
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a legal requirement for operating large and heavy vehicles in the United States, including trucks, buses, and trailers. It is also mandatory for vehicles of any size that transport hazardous materials or a certain number of passengers. The specific number of passengers varies by state, with some states requiring a CDL for vehicles with 8 or more passengers, while others set the limit at 16 or more.
The implementation of the CDL in 1992 standardised licensing requirements across states, addressing the issue of inconsistent training that led to preventable accidents and deaths. To obtain a CDL, applicants must undergo rigorous skills and knowledge testing, demonstrating higher standards of proficiency than those required for non-commercial licenses.
In most states, a driver's license for a car is a prerequisite for obtaining a CDL. Additionally, federal-level endorsements, such as the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations, must be met. These regulations apply to first-time applicants seeking a Class A or Class B CDL, upgrading from Class B to Class A, or obtaining specific endorsements for the first time.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes standards for state testing and licensing of CDL holders. While the FMCSA does not directly issue CDLs, they ensure that states adhere to consistent testing and licensing procedures. States have the flexibility to impose additional restrictions or requirements, such as more restrictive categories or state-level endorsements.
CDL holders are held to higher standards when operating any motor vehicle on public roads, and serious traffic violations can impact their ability to maintain their certification. Furthermore, specific states, such as California, have stricter regulations regarding blood alcohol content for CDL holders.
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Digital driver's licenses
In the United States, driver's licenses are issued by the state's department of motor vehicles or an equivalent body. The design and information included on the license will vary from state to state, but typically, they include a photograph, signature, address, license type or class, restrictions, endorsements, physical characteristics, and birth date of the bearer.
As of December 2021, approximately 20 US states have launched, tested, or considered digital driver's licenses. Digital driver's licenses are a legal, digital version of a physical driver's license or state ID. They are typically accessed through a mobile app and are accepted by state law enforcement and government and retail locations. Louisiana was the first state to implement a digital driver's license in 2014, with its LA Wallet app. Other states such as Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah have partnered with Apple to offer identification through Apple Wallet.
However, there are also concerns about user privacy with digital driver's licenses. For example, a police officer may gain access to a person's cellphone when checking their license. Additionally, digital driver's licenses may not be universally accepted, as a physical license or ID may still be required by police, banks, and other entities.
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Driver's license suspension
Driving licenses are issued by the state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) and are subject to state laws and regulations. Each state has its own specific laws regarding driver's licenses, including the minimum age to obtain a restricted license, which varies from 14 years, three months in South Dakota to 17 in New Jersey.
A driver's license can be suspended or revoked for various reasons, and this may differ depending on the state. Common reasons for suspension include:
- Serious or multiple traffic violations.
- Failure to answer a traffic ticket.
- Not paying a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA).
- Failure to pay child support.
- Medical conditions that affect the ability to drive safely.
When a license is suspended, the driver is typically notified by the DMV, and the suspension can be definite or indefinite. A definite suspension has a specified beginning and end date, while an indefinite suspension remains in place until the required action is taken, such as paying outstanding fines or addressing the medical condition.
In some states, like New York, a driving privilege may be revoked, meaning the license is canceled, and a new one must be obtained after the revocation period. This often involves additional steps, such as retaking tests and paying fees.
It is important to note that driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal, and it is the driver's responsibility to ensure their license is valid and complies with the relevant state laws.
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Frequently asked questions
A driver's license is an authorization issued by the department for the operation of a motor vehicle.
The requirements for getting a driver's license vary by state and country. In the US, most states require new drivers to have a graduated licensing law, which introduces new drivers to the rules and safety guidelines of driving with a tiered licensing approach. The minimum age to obtain a restricted driver's license in the US varies from 14 years, three months in South Dakota to as high as 17 in New Jersey.
A driver's license typically includes a unique number or alphanumeric code, a photograph of the bearer, the bearer's signature, the address of the bearer's primary residence, the type or class of license, any restrictions or endorsements, physical characteristics of the bearer (such as height, weight, hair color, and eye color), and birth date.
A commercial driver's license is required for drivers of large and heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and tractor-trailers, or vehicles with at least 16 passengers or hazardous materials. The minimum age for a CDL is generally 18 years old, but federal law requires commercial drivers to be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce.
Yes, there are various laws and regulations pertaining to driver's licenses that vary by state and country. For example, the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, commonly known as the "Green Light Law," allows all New Yorkers aged 16 and older to apply for a standard non-commercial driver's license regardless of their citizenship status. Additionally, most states have "implied consent" laws, which mean that you agree to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test if an officer suspects you of driving under the influence (DUI). Refusal to comply will typically result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.
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