DEVELOPMENT OF A PROVISIONAL LICENSING PROGRAM FOR NEW CALIFORNIA DRIVERS

This report documents the development of a provisional licensing program for original California driver's license applicants. The impetus for considering alternative licensing procedures was the high accident and traffic-conviction rates characteristic of new drivers. An initial provisional licensing model was developed, following consideration of traffic safety literature on new drivers and a review of provisional licensing programs implemented or piloted in other states and countries. Further refinements were made following an analysis of comments solicited from a number of individuals in various traffic-safety disciplines, and following an independent survey of California public opinion. It was recommended that a limited pilot program be conducted with original minor applicants to determine the traffic-safety effectiveness of the final program model. The primary model includes a one-year distinctive provisional license, a youth-oriented driver improvement program, various restrictions for young problem drivers, the encouragement of parental participation in training new young drivers, driver's manuals for new drivers, and a variety of operational changes, including a mandatory instruction permit.