Our mission is saving lives.

Safe driving survival skills for teens

AN AUTHENTIC APPROACH

Licensed for Life isn’t another safety campaign designed by an ad agency. It was developed by seasoned cops in partnership with the toughest critics of all: teenagers.

TAUGHT TO OVER
205,000 TEENS 

Since 1997, Licensed For Life has been to over 300 schools and civic organizations while conducting more than 7,100 classes before over 205,000 students.

A BETTER WAY

When it comes to drinking and driving, “Just say no” just doesn’t work. “We know kids will drink,” says Mike McNamara, who made over 500 DUI arrests in his career. “We listen to them, and they listen to us.”


MORE ABOUT THE L4L PROGRAM DESIGN ...

HEAR FROM OTHERS ... AND SEE FOR YOURSELF

(Click on icon at bottom right of each video to view full screen)

L4L Feature video 

Watch our 15-minute feature video on the Licensed for Life program. (14:35)

full class session

Watch the 47-minute class.

from a driver ed teacher

“I’ve even had neighboring classes say, ‘Keep it down!’ because the kids are in such an uproar about how engaging and animated the presentations are.” (1:26)

DRUNK GOGGLE DEMONSTRATION

Teens want more than dire warnings. We give them information on blood alcohol levels, the law, and staying safe. One of L4L’s most popular exercises uses Fatal Vision drunk goggles. (2:56)

12 states and growing

Licensed for Life started in Chicago and spread to 12 states. Drunk driving is a national and a world problem, and we’ll keep growing and spreading the word. (:36)

FROM A SOCIAL WORKER...

“Mike knows we make decisions emotionally and intellectually, and his program really hits the emotional side of the brain.” (1:37)

“The students were floored by your message”

STEVE HANKENSON
NILES NORTH DRIVER EDUCATION

“I have had such positive feedback from the students and faculty that we may extend the invitation to twice a year to offer it to more High Schools.”

Susan Medina
Loyola University Medical Center

“One of our most frustrating experiences is the lack of effective and practical programs. ... The Licensed for Life program could not have come at a better time.”

Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
Baylor College of Medicine
Texas Children’s Hospital

“Licensed for Life has developed a wonderful reputation with our students. ... They talk about the presentation for the rest of the semester. You truly make a huge impact on each one of the students.

Ryan Foley, John Newcomb,
Beth Riser, Scott Zalke
Streamwood High School

“We are proud that members of our lodge are involved in this groundbreaking program that is being taught by active police officers with DUI enforcement experience.”

Clifford Butz
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 163

“Dead silence, except for some tears, was all I could hear at the conclusion of your presentation.”

NATE HASSMAN
LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL

LEARN MORE ABOUT L4L & OUR PARTNERS

schools & partners

Review the schools and other partners that have worked with Licensed for Life.

instructors

All of our instructors are seasoned law enforcement officers who have worked DUI cases.

mike’s story

Licensed for Life uses real-life stories to connect with teens. One story hit close to home for Deputy Chief Mike McNamara.