Nighttime driving restrictions are common for learner’s permit holders. Regulations regarding nighttime driving with a learner’s permit vary significantly by jurisdiction. Typically, these restrictions limit unsupervised driving during specified nighttime hours, often beginning in the late evening and extending into the early morning. For example, a jurisdiction might prohibit permit holders from driving between 11 PM and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver who meets specific age and experience requirements.
These restrictions are implemented to protect young drivers. Night driving presents increased risks due to reduced visibility, the presence of more impaired drivers, and the relative inexperience of new drivers. By limiting nighttime driving for permit holders, jurisdictions aim to reduce accidents and fatalities. Historically, graduated driver licensing programs, which often include nighttime restrictions, have been shown to improve the safety of young drivers. Such programs recognize the need for gradual exposure to increasingly challenging driving situations.
