GDL - Graduated Driver License Wireless Device Usage Prohibitions Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to typical Graduated Driver License (GDL) regulations, what is the rule for a driver with a permit or probationary license regarding the use of wireless communication devices?

Accepted Answer

They are prohibited from using any hand-held or hands-free wireless communication device.

Answer

They may use hands-free devices, but not hand-held devices.

Answer

They may use hand-held devices only when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light.

Answer

They may use any type of device as long as a supervising adult is in the front seat.

Question 2

A 17-year-old probationary GDL driver is stopped at a long red light and picks up their phone to check a text message. Under most GDL laws, this action is:

Accepted Answer

Illegal, because a driver is still considered to be operating the vehicle even when temporarily stopped in traffic.

Answer

Permissible, as long as they put the phone down before the vehicle moves.

Answer

A secondary offense, meaning they can only be ticketed if stopped for another violation.

Answer

Permissible, because the vehicle is not in motion.

Question 3

Which of the following is a GDL permit or probationary license holder explicitly prohibited from using while driving?

Accepted Answer

A hands-free Bluetooth system to make a phone call.

Answer

The car's built-in AM/FM radio.

Answer

A stand-alone GPS unit that is not a communication device.

Answer

A portable music player connected via an auxiliary cord.

Question 4

Under which of the following scenarios would a GDL driver most likely be legally permitted to use a wireless phone while driving?

Accepted Answer

To report a serious traffic crash or medical emergency to 911.

Answer

To call a parent to report they will be late due to traffic.

Answer

To answer an important call from their employer.

Answer

To look up directions using a GPS app because they are lost.

Question 5

A GDL driver with a probationary license has their phone mounted on the dashboard and is using a navigation app with audio directions. They do not touch the phone while driving. Why is this often considered a violation?

Accepted Answer

Because the law in many strict GDL states prohibits any use of a wireless communication device, regardless of its function.

Answer

Because using the phone's battery for GPS is unsafe.

Answer

Because the audio directions can be louder than emergency sirens.

Answer

Because the phone must be kept in the glove compartment at all times.

Question 6

What is the primary reason that GDL laws prohibit even hands-free cell phone use for novice drivers?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that the mental workload, or cognitive distraction, from a conversation significantly impairs a driver's focus and reaction time.

Answer

Hands-free devices are known to interfere with the vehicle's electronic systems.

Answer

It is to ensure fairness, as not all new drivers can afford hands-free technology.

Answer

It encourages new drivers to use the vehicle's built-in navigation system instead.