Young Drivers are now subject to the Graduated Drivers License program requiring that they receive one year of driving experience prior to receiving a non-probationary license. Probationary Drivers ( formerly called Provisional Drivers) must practice driving for at least one year before getting a full license. Once the one year period is completed without incident a full license can be obtained at age 18. The following restrictions are placed on Probationary Drivers:
Display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back); decals available at motor vehicle agencies, $4 per pair
No driving after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m. See GDL Exemptions for exceptions due to employment or religious reasonsParent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependent is a permit or probationary driver's child, not siblings
Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
You can't use cell phones, hand held video games or any other hands-free interactive, wireless communication device
Seat belts must be worn at all times
See GDL Exemptions for hours-related exemptions for employment or religious reasons
NO PLEA BARGAINS FOR PROBATIONARY DRIVERS
Unfortunately there is an Attorney General Directive that came down instructing all Municipal Court Judges and Prosecutors that plea bargaining or amending tickets for Probationary drivers is not allowed. Therefore if you are a Probationary Driver your ticket cannot be amended, however you may still require an attorney to make argument for the minimum fines or punishment where judicial discretion is allowed.
If a GDL holder accumulates three or more penalty points, they have to complete a driver improvement program. If they fail to complete this program, or if they accumulate additional points, it will result in suspension and postponement of their eligibility to obtain a probationary (if in the permit phase) or basic license (if in the probationary phase).