(Hartford Courant 1/21/03 A9) .
All graduated driver's licensing systems contain certain components in order to be effective. The first stage of a graduated license is the permit and lasts six months long. (Hartford Courant 1/21/03 A9) This stage allows young drivers, who are just beginning, the opportunity to practice basic driving skills and safe driving practices under supervised conditions. The minimum requirements consist of meeting the minimum age required by the state, which currently varies from age fourteen to age eighteen. Drivers must also pass a vision and knowledge test, including rules of the road, signs and signals. When a permit is issued, all driving must be supervised by a licensed parent or any individual over the age of twenty-one. A new driver must complete driver's education, which includes behind the wheel training. There is zero alcohol tolerance for anyone under twenty-one. A permit is cancelled if the driver is convicted of any alcohol related offenses. (MADD) The driver must remain free of all crashes and convictions for at least six consecutive months in order to move to the second stage. (Associated Press 10/21/02 Stashenko) .
The second stage is similar to the first, but gives the driver behind the wheel practice under less restrictive circumstances and allows the driver to experience demanding driving situations. This is where the driver can use newly acquired driving and decision-making skills by allowing unsupervised driving during the day. The minimum requirements consist of successfully completing the learner's permit stage and passing a driving test. Between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., a parent or anyone over twenty-one years of age can accompany the driver. (MADD) For any alcohol related offense, the license will be taken away. As in the first stage, a driver must remain free of crashes and convictions, but for at least twelve consecutive months in order to move to the next stage.
