Must Be 18 Years Old for Driver's License?

[Crissy]

I just heard on the news today that people are pushing the government to make it a law that you have to be 18 to get a driver's license. They want to make it a law that at 16 you only can get a permit that allows a limited number of kids in a car. Then at 17 you are allowed to drive with a contingent license, providing you have a clean driving record with no accidents. If you make it through that, then at 18 you can get your official license.

I think this is a great idea! Kids need more time to mature a little more before getting behind the wheel of car with unlimited freedom. What do you think about this?

 

[66Notchback]

That sounds a lot like what the province of British Columbia did, several years ago now: a graduated licencing program, with time of day and passenger restrictions, a zero tolerance for alcohol consumption.... from learners' permit, you go to a provisional licence for 2 yrs, and then re-test on the road for the real McCoy.

It's been done overseas for years, and I think it's a good idea: it can only lead to safer drivers, in my opinion.

 

[MaximumSpeed]

I think it's a good idea. Alabama does something similar, in that a new driver has to be 18 or have a lot of experience before "graduating" to an "official" license.

 

[mkp3]

I have seen some 25 year olds that still drive batty. I am wondering if there should be an extra test on the individual to check maturity levels of drives, not just the age check and the book smarts, but maturity goes a long way you know.

 

[Carl55]

I think that is a great idea! I agree with you MKP3, there are a lot of immature drivers out there in their twenties, but at least this is a good start in the right direction. I really hope it passes!