This report describes a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) framework that has been developed to better address the elevated crash risk of young and new drivers. This new GDL framework is unique in that it proposes that driver education, licensing and testing requirements, as well as in-vehicle monitoring technology be integrated into an enhanced GDL program. The discussion is focused on the U.S. situation, but this GDL framework is intended to be applicable and adaptable to GDL programs worldwide. The goal of the present project is to identify internationally, current approaches and research on GDL, driver education, license testing/assessment, and in-vehicle monitoring technologies that have the potential to increase the safety outcomes of young and novice drivers. These best practices are consolidated into a new comprehensive framework in which all of these safety initiatives are better integrated to reinforce an optimal GDL program. As well, this GDL framework is presented as a formalized representation of best practices that have the potential to be efficiently and effectively incorporated into existing GDL programs worldwide. The major tasks of this project include: * a literature review of academic journals and published materials from various traffic safety organizations and resources of research related to the effectiveness and implementation of GDL, driver education, license testing/assessment, and, in-vehicle monitoring technology for young and novice drivers across the globe; * an environmental scan of contacts in relevant agencies in North America and internationally to identify the most recent advancements in young and novice driver programs throughout the world that may not have otherwise been captured through a literature review alone; * a 1½ day international expert panel discussion to describe, discuss, and augment a proposed GDL framework; and, * the application of the information obtained from these sources to develop and refine the final comprehensive GDL framework contained in this report. The review of the scientific evidence, the environmental scan of current and best practices, and the international expert panel discussion provided guidance regarding ways to enhance GDL and better integrate safety measures for young and novice drivers, including driver education and training, license testing, and in-vehicle monitoring technologies, within a comprehensive GDL framework. The GDL framework described below comprises evidence-based initiatives along with those that are largely unproven but make sense on logical grounds and are supported by expert opinion. This is similar to the situation several decades ago when the concept of GDL was initially developed and promoted. At that time, there was limited or no research on the safety effects of GDL and most of its components, with the exception of a night driving restriction which early studies had shown to have safety benefits. However, the concept of a GDL system that introduced beginners into the traffic environment while protecting them as they gained experience made sense on logical grounds. As jurisdictions implemented GDL and evaluated it, GDL emerged as a popular and successful policy with proven safety benefits. The description of the GDL framework is followed by an illustration of it. Since the strength of the evidence in support of a specific component being recommended varies from strong to lesser or insufficient evidence, the illustration uses a gold star to denote components with a strong empirical base. Other components are based on expert opinion having a solid logical basis for consideration. Although these lack strong empirical evidence they are recommended as part of the GDL framework since they may reinforce GDL principles and operation but further research is needed to determine their safety effectiveness and/or the extent to which they contribute to the overall benefits of GDL. In the framework, young and novice drivers move through two restricted phases of licensing, including a learner and intermediate stage, before progressing to full licensure. (Author/publisher)
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