One the most exciting moment of a teen's life is getting a driver's license. That little card carries a big sense of adventure and freedom, but it also comes with big responsibility.

The first year of licensed driving is a high-risk time -- especially for 16-year-old drivers. Inexperience, nervousness and a lack of practical skills can lead to bad decisions and worse consequences.

TYPICAL STEPS Learner's Permit Adult present while driving Certified driver's ed required First 3-6 Months w/License Licensed supervisor at night No teen passengers Exceptions often made for driving to/from work. How GDLs Improve Safety

To help curb the number of teen crash-related fatalities, some states have adopted graduated drivers licensing regulations, and they're working. Many of these states have experienced teen crash and traffic violation reductions of 5 percent to 16 percent.

The idea of these programs is to place limitations on novice drivers to allow them to build their skills and then incrementally increase driving privileges as they become safer, more confident drivers.

What do the programs involve? Usually they have three stages -- a learner's permit, intermediate and full licenses. Components may differ from state-to-state, but can include:

Mandatory use of seat belts;
Nighttime driving restrictions;
Limitations on the number of passengers;
Restriction of dawn, dusk or nighttime driving; and
Mandatory completion of a driver's education course.

To find out if a particular state has GDL laws, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety web page.

Parents who live in a state that doesn't have GDL may consider creating their own "home version" of the program by:

Using the guidelines for graduated licensing from another state;
Continuing to coach novice drivers even after they obtain a full license;
Limiting or supervising teens driving during inclement weather; and
Asking young drivers about situations or techniques that cause them trouble, then taking them out to practice with a mature, experienced driver in a low-risk setting.

Tell teens that violations of the ground rules or state driving laws will result in a suspension of privileges altogether. As with the state GDL systems, parents can gradually increase driving privileges and responsibility as their teens' skills improve. Getting involved in a teen's driving education is the biggest impact a parent can have on safety.

For more information on this topic and other safe teen driving information, parents and teens can visit the Carfax Safe Teen Drivers Program.

This content sponsored and provided by Carfax.com.