Final answer:
Under a GDL program, hours for drivers under 21 can be restricted, typically at night, as a form of legal discrimination based on safety. Legal discrimination exists when there is a justifiable reason, despite the equal protection clause, which includes age-based driving restrictions for safety purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) system is a program that exists to allow new drivers to gain experience on the road in a step-by-step approach with restrictions that are gradually lifted as the driver gains more experience. In the United States, the specific rules and restrictions for a GDL program, including permissible hours of driving, can vary by state. However, it's common in many states for drivers under 21 years of age with a GDL examination permit or provisional license to face restrictions regarding the hours they can drive. These are often meant to prevent new, younger drivers from driving late at night to reduce risks associated with nighttime driving and fatigue.
While the age for legal discrimination such as purchasing tobacco or alcohol is clearly defined by law, the application of an equal protection clause does not necessarily mean that each individual is treated the same for all purposes. The governments—federal, state, and local—can institute laws that apply differently to various groups if there is a sufficient and justifiable reason for doing so, such as safety concerns or the necessity to meet certain academic qualifications for higher education opportunities.
In summary, although the equal protection clause suggests that everyone should be treated the same, exceptions can and do apply when there is a rational basis for doing so, which includes the age-based restrictions of the GDL program for new drivers.