Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says the Graduated Driver's License has been a proven lifesaver for first time drivers. White believes stricter standards for younger drivers has played a lead role in cutting the number of teenage driver deaths by 51 percent in the past ten years. Illinois Transportation Department figures show That compared to 155 lives lost in that age group in 2007. That was the year before the graduated license program took effect. The graduated license program features nighttime driving restrictions, an increased required practice driving time with an adult before a teen can get a license and limits starting drivers to one passenger in the front seat. Cell phone use is prohibited, even with a hands free device, unless there is an emergency.