A major change is taking place in the United States to address the younger driver problem, namely the introduction of a licensing system that mandates an extended period of supervised driving and an intermediate licensing stage with restrictions on high-risk unsupervised driving, prior to full-privilege licensing. This represents a radical shift from the minimal licensing requirements that previously existed in most states and is expected to result in significant reductions in the young driver problem. Can the U.S. experience guide other countries in dealing with their young driver problem? What works in one country is not necessarily applicable in countries with different cultural and licensing traditions. Nevertheless, to the extent that any country finds ways to successfully reduce this common problem, other countries should look to see whether any of the policies can be adapted to their own situations. The possibility of adapting graduated licensing systems is in fact discussed and recommended in a recent European Union project report on ways to reduce the young driver problem.
Abstract