Question for you – at what age in the U.S. can teens get their learner’s permit to drive?
Well, the answer is – it depends on where the teen lives. In 6 states 14 is the age for teens to obtain a permit. As for the oldest requirement, eight states plus Washington, D.C. make teens wait until they are 16. The most common age requirement is 15 years of age in 23 of our states. (Note that in Maryland, we are the only state that has 15 and 9 months as our requirement. Why do we always have to be so different?)
As for when teens can get their driver’s license, most states have what is referred to as a Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) Program whereby teens can get their license but with certain temporary restrictions on them such as no driving at night. Most states begin this GDL period when teens turn 16. Idaho is the lowest for doing so at 15 and in New Jersey they make the kids wait until they are 17 (click here for chart.) Maryland, along with 8 other states, clocks in at the second highest age requirement of 16 and 6 months for teens to obtain a restricted drivers’ license.
So why am I mentioning this? Because I have sat thru numerous conversations in Buzzy’s Country Store centering on the other end of the driver’s license spectrum wherein folks have had to take their parents’ license and it is a huge deal. (Those of you inner circle Buzzy friends will know immediately the current ongoing example of this dynamic involving one of our favorite senior citizens.)
While I am not one for MORE laws and rules, if 14, 15, 16 is considered the “safe” ages to turn teens loose on the roadways, why isn’t there a similar age limit set at the other end of the age spectrum when the license should be pulled? As anyone who has done so is aware, taking the keys away from a loved is a very emotional and tough thing to do (click here for a good article on this.)
When the subject came up recently in Buzzy’s, I had someone tell me how her brother is a doctor who mentioned how often people would implore him to tell their Mom and/or Dad that they shouldn’t be driving. She noted that her brother said he wasn’t comfortable doing that and didn’t care to do it. She seconded his suggestion “Make the state be the bad guy and tell ’em they can’t drive.”
Speaking of cars and driving, here is some classic 80’s music for you with the opening line “Who’s gonna tell you when…” you can’t drive anymore.