New York started a cool program aimed at helping teens and new drivers hit the road safely. This system, known as a graduated driving license, acts like a helpful stepping stone, giving newbies a chance to learn the ropes without jumping straight into the deep end. It’s like practice before the big game, where drivers slowly get used to the hustle and bustle of traffic. Before you know it, they’re ready for full access, cruising confidently no matter the time of day. This idea kicked off in New York and opened up a whole new roadmap for teaching folks how to drive smoothly and responsibly. Stick around to discover how these new rules continue shaping safe driving habits today.

Some have criticized the graduated licensing system saying it puts undue hardship on teens who have jobs or extra study and need to be able to drive any time without hindrance. But a new study showing that the New York program is actually saving lives refutes any claims that graduated licenses aren’t helping teenagers.

In fact, the New York program is so good, the Insurance Institute Of Highway Safety and Highway Loss (which commissioned a recent study proving the NY program saved teen lives) said the program should be copied by every state in the union and made mandatory for all teen drivers.

Graduated licensing helps new teen drivers gradually develop road and car-negotiation skills through three stages: a supervised learner’s period, an intermediate license (after passing a road test) that limits driving in high-risk situations except under supervision, and a license with full privileges.

The institute says more than 500 lives a year could be saved and more than 9,500 collisions could be prevented yearly if every state enacted the five essential components of young driver laws in the nation.