Tennessee Permit Practice Test

Which aspect of safety does the GDL program emphasize for young drivers?

1. High-speed driving

2. Distracted driving

3. Driving under the influence

4. Experience and skill development

The correct answer is: Experience and skill development

The GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) program places a strong emphasis on experience and skill development for young drivers. This structured approach allows new drivers to gradually gain driving experience under lower-risk conditions, ultimately preparing them for the complexities of independent driving. By providing a phased licensing process, the GDL ensures that young drivers first practice basic skills in safe environments, such as driving with a licensed adult at specific times, before progressing to more challenging situations like nighttime driving or unsupervised driving. The focus on this incremental skill development helps to build confidence and proficiency, which is crucial for reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety for young, inexperienced drivers. This emphasis on experience stands in contrast to the other choices, which, while important aspects of driver safety, do not align as closely with the fundamental goals of the GDL program. For instance, high-speed driving and driving under the influence are behaviors that the program seeks to mitigate by encouraging thoughtful, skillful driving rather than exposing young drivers to high-risk scenarios prematurely. Distracted driving is also a crucial concern, but the program primarily aims to establish a firm foundation of driving skills before addressing such issues directly.