Driving Age by State

Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage for many teenagers. But sadly, car crashes are the number one cause of death for young people (excluding suicide).

Some scientists argue that many 16-year-olds aren't mature enough to drive. Their brains aren't yet fully developed, and they're more likely to take risks, become distracted, and make mistakes.

Overview

As a way to help teens slowly gain driving responsibilities one step at a time, states adopted graduated license programs. These programs have restrictions for newly licensed drivers, such as a limit on the number of passengers or a curfew.

A 2017 literature review found that graduated license programs have been instrumental in reducing car crashes among 16 and 17-year-olds. In fact, it's been so successful that some states are considering adopting graduated license programs for 18 to 20-year-olds who are becoming first-time drivers. 

Driving Age by State

The age at which teens may obtain their learner's permit and the laws about graduated licenses vary by state. Be sure to check your local laws to find out when your teen can begin driving.

Learner's Permits

Research suggests many parents miss important opportunities to teach kids to become safe drivers. Instead, they depend too much on driver's education programs.

Once your teen has a learner's permit, don't think of yourself as a passenger when your teen is behind the wheel. Think of yourself as a teacher.

Help your teen learn to recognize potential safety issues while driving.

Each state has different laws about learner's permits and how many hours a teen needs to be behind the wheel. Take those laws seriously and make sure you're helping your teen gain the experience they need to become a safe driver.

Restrictions

While a lack of sleep impairs everyone's performance, studies show sleep deprivation takes the most serious toll on teens. Teens are more likely to make errors when driving later into the evening.

Nighttime

Among 16- and 17-year-olds, approximately one-third of fatal car crashes occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. So, many states have enacted curfews to prevent teens from driving during the overnight hours. For example, Alabama doesn't allow newly licensed teens to drive between midnight and 6 a.m. North Carolina doesn't allow teens to drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Passengers

Researchers have found that for each passenger a teen has in the car, the risk of a car crash increases. Friends can serve as a serious distraction, and they may encourage your teen to take unnecessary risks. Consequently, many states have decided to restrict passengers in cars driven by teens.

While some states don't allow newly licensed teens to have passengers for several months, others restrict the number of minor passengers that can be in a car. Exceptions are usually made for siblings. 

Cellphone

Talking on the phone while driving serves as a major distraction that increases the likelihood a teen will make driving mistakes. So many states have adopted specific cellphone restrictions for young drivers.

Unfortunately, some studies suggest cellphone restrictions may actually increase the chances that a teen will attempt to send text messages while behind the wheel. In an attempt to conceal cellphone use, teens may become even more distracted by trying to type messages on the sly.

If a teen is caught sending messages or using a cellphone while driving, there should be clear consequences. 

Safety

When it comes to letting your teen drive, don't depend on your state laws to keep your child safe. Create your own rules and restrictions for your teen's specific needs.

Keep in mind that just because your teen is old enough to drive legally, it doesn't mean they're mature enough to handle the responsibility. 

If your 16-year-old regularly acts aggressive, impulsive, or irresponsible, don't let them behind the wheel just yet.

Once your teen has a driver's license, increase their freedom slowly. Remember, you don't have to grant new privileges just because the graduated licensing laws allow them to drive at night or use a cellphone in the car. You can continue to impose restrictions of your own.

A Word From Verywell

If your teen violates the law or breaks your rules, give them consequences. Take away their keys for a while or restrict the hours or places your teen drives.

And consider enrolling your teen in programs that teach driver safety beyond driver's education. You might get a discount on car insurance, but more importantly, additional driver training could save your teen's life.