Do you think teens should be allowed to drive at 16 years old?

Jump to Last Post 1-50 of 53 discussions (55 posts)
  1. PR Morgan profile image60
    PR Morganposted 13 years ago

    Do you think teens should be allowed to drive at 16 years old?

    https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/4794243_f260.jpg

  2. Ludivine profile image61
    Ludivineposted 13 years ago

    Personally, I think it's too young. I don't think a 16 year old teenager is mature enough to have the huge responsibility of driving a vehicle. Not only do they get the responsibility of keeping themselves safe on the road but other's lives depend on them as well.

  3. vietnamvet68 profile image61
    vietnamvet68posted 13 years ago

    It was OK back when we were that age, but then there was not as much traffic on the roads back then either. Today with all the traffic and the cars going so much faster I think I would have to say NO way, it's far too young.

  4. wychic profile image85
    wychicposted 13 years ago

    Absolutely, though I also think that by that age parents should have done a lot more to prepare their kids for adulthood than is done on average by that point. Two years after that people can legally get married, buy a house, smoke, and die for their country -- if they're not mature enough to drive a vehicle by then, the problem is much more severe than whether or not they should be behind the wheel.

  5. DonDWest profile image70
    DonDWestposted 13 years ago

    Yes, it takes too long to grow up as is. . . It's ridiculous that you have to stay in school all the way until age 25 getting numerous college degrees just to get a job. It's ridiculous that you can't rent a car until the age of 25. Back at my parents time they were married, with home, and kids at age 25. I don't care if this makes me sound backwards, but I consider acheiving adulthood sooner, rather than later, a better sample of success that society should follow.

  6. profile image0
    Dandraposted 13 years ago

    Uh NO!!!                                                                                         !

  7. mcrawford76 profile image90
    mcrawford76posted 13 years ago

    I'm going to say yes but with more restrictions. I think the biggest problem with teenage drivers is distraction. Until you have the experience to handle a vehicle in different situations I think your distraction level should be limited. ie; NO cell phone usage. No other teenagers in the car, no driving after dark, etc. I think it is possible for a 16 year old to be able to handle a vehicle in a mature and responsible way, but it has to be taught to them, and get lots and lots of practice before venturing out on their own.

  8. chloe's hub profile image61
    chloe's hubposted 13 years ago

    I think not... for the reason that during that age, your mind is so playful.... very imaginative, and always go for adventure.. specially for guys... when they're friends and socialites are there, all they want is enjoy not knowing there limits..... and that's were accident happen...

  9. Kamalesh050 profile image72
    Kamalesh050posted 13 years ago

    I would say No  - they are not old enough to take on the responsibility.

  10. bloggering profile image72
    bloggeringposted 13 years ago

    I think it should be raised a year to 17. There is a big difference in maturity at that age in a year. My kids were both impulsive at teens (takes after Mom) and their driving resulted in some real headaches. If they'd had to wait just a little longer, it would have been better.

  11. ChristineVianello profile image60
    ChristineVianelloposted 13 years ago

    No thank you. I think you should be 18 to be able to drive. Too many teens texting and driving, getting into accidents.

  12. raxit02 profile image60
    raxit02posted 13 years ago

    Of course the teenagers under the age of 16 should be barred from driving cars and motor bikes. What happens in most of the cases the picture you have shared here tells enough. The youngstars of this tender age do not possess the right brain to think for the best safety measures, they just do everything for fun what a matured person do not do....they must be restricted from getting in the wheels.

  13. Tina Kachan profile image60
    Tina Kachanposted 13 years ago

    In my country (Croatia - Europe) you can get your license at 16, but you can not drive a car until you are 18. And I agree with that.

    However, I think that teenagers using cell phones while driving is a much bigger issue. And not just teenagers, although it is obviously more dangerous when they do it since they don`t have that much driving experience. Put the phone down, it can wait.

    1. b-ageless profile image60
      b-agelessposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Personally, I think that 16 years old is too young, as well as 18 years old, as in my country 18 is the legal drinking age and there is much responsibility that comes with driving!

    2. brutishspoon profile image67
      brutishspoonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you as I came home tonight there was a young driver driving along looking down at what I can only think of as being her phone. Where I live is a 20mhp zone but it has traffic calming measures and you need your eyes on the road constantly

  14. HealthyHayden profile image59
    HealthyHaydenposted 13 years ago

    Personally, I'd prefer if the legal driving age was 18 across the board.  There's far too may reckless drivers who are 16-18.  However, I'm not sure of the actual statistics and I imagine that the accident rates are higher, but not as high as some might think.

  15. tgopfrich profile image69
    tgopfrichposted 13 years ago

    NO! hahaha I think with the ever changing world and expanding and growing cities drivers should start getting their license later rather then earlier!

  16. The Frog Prince profile image70
    The Frog Princeposted 13 years ago

    It depends on the maturity of the 16 year old and their level of being responsible.  My rule would be no cell phones or other toys in the car at that age.

  17. dwoodward profile image61
    dwoodwardposted 13 years ago

    It used to be ok, but with all the young drivers being reckless and taking so many chances I would say no. I think they should learn how to at a early age but get the license when they are responsible enough to respect the vehicle and the road they are on!

  18. Sunny Sauls profile image61
    Sunny Saulsposted 13 years ago

    Yesh 16 year olds should deffintaly get the chance to prove that they can drive just like older peopld did when they where 16.I mean when those older people drove they didnt even have to wear seat belts no we have to wear seat belt and that should make it even safer ,so yes they should be able to.

  19. saimpeter profile image60
    saimpeterposted 13 years ago

    I Agree with Don It's ridiculous that you've to remain in school every one of the way until age 25 becoming a great number of higher education degrees just to generally be a position.I think I would must say NOooooo way, it can be considerably as well young.

  20. windndown profile image59
    windndownposted 13 years ago

    After just been through this past few years, my teen is now 19, those permit and first 2 years of driving alone was so scary. Do they really keep their phones in the purse or pocket? Do they listen to you at home? So we think they are doing the right thing on the road? I feel its TOO YOUNG!!!! Personally for most teens.. I think they should have a certain GPA before you let them get a permit and a certain GPA before you let them drive on their own. I know for a fact some kids who dont give a crap about school or kids who dont listen to their parents are some of the WORST DRIVERS!!! Kids who care about their grades are better drivers.. sucks we have to be out on the streets with KIDS who really dont give a crap about anything but themselves and have no concept of RIGHT and WRONG and still text/talk/ and drive and dont do well in school or treat their parents like crap, still get to drive and put everyone else in danger. I had a best friend mother of 3 almost killed and over a year to recover, hell she will never be the same, all because some teen was texting in his HUGE truck DADDY AND MOMMY bought him, he didnt even deserve it.. they bought it as a bribe to be good in school and listen to them.. UGH well, DIDNT WORK HELLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOO, some parents dont know HOW TO PARENT!! UGH.. Ok Im off my soap box now.. Thank you

  21. PR Morgan profile image60
    PR Morganposted 13 years ago

    Ok, this is my question, but I want to make a comment.  I thank you all for your well thought out and passionate answers.  I have a 17 year old and two 15 year olds, So this is an a quandary for me too.  My 17 year old took a driving class over the summer, that the school offered and I started training her myself right away at 15 (with her permit).  She is a responsible kid but that doesn't guaranty good driving habits.  The combination of the school taught class and my daily driving exam(I would let her drive every time she would get n the car with me-except interstate driving), made a huge difference.  She is accident free and a great driver.  All kids are different though...my other two are yet to be tested...here we go again!  Thanks to all of you!

  22. profile image52
    conty.fanposted 13 years ago

    Hi,

    Teens are actually more cautious than experts. They have more of enthusiasm in driving and trust their driving skills when they know to drive. In case of bikes, they shouldn't be allowed to drive.

  23. onegoodwoman profile image69
    onegoodwomanposted 13 years ago

    Ages aside, pass the skills test...............

    either you can drive or you can not.

    If you can, you are either a 'defensive' driver or an ' aggressive one'.........

    it is THAT simple.

    I could back a trailer at 12..........shift 13 gears at 15........I have driven "professionally" in 47 states.

    Wind gusts bother me..........so does dirty glass. I would rather drive in snow and on ice than in a hard rain............

    " driving " is an ACT of skill, not a right of  passage.


    It is about the SKILL, not the age.


    NO...........you should not risk my life  just because you are 16, 25, 40 or 85.



    It is about SKILL.

    A few may have this sill at 10.

  24. krockett profile image59
    krockettposted 13 years ago

    I dont think they should be allowed to drive at 16. They're not mature enough to handle the responsibility of a car.

  25. An Aberrant Taste profile image71
    An Aberrant Tasteposted 12 years ago

    Most definitely, but what I've seen in a few answers is they say with exceptions. Although, there are exceptions, at least in my area. In New Jersey, a student in high school takes drivers ed. They first start on a simulation, and then goes out with the instructor and another student. They start to learn how to drive when in parking lots and such, then ease their way into residential neighborhoods, then onto the highway. While they have their drivers permit, they can only drive with someone that has been driving for 3+ years, and then when they get their license, it's called a provisional. Meaning they cannot drive past 11 o'clock at night, and before 5o'clock a.m. They can't have more than one person in the car (unless they live in the same household).  I think these are good provisions. Meaning you can't have a car full of distracting friends, and you cannot drive too late or too early. Of course there are those few that crash, get drunk, or what the action may be, but that isn't just kids. It's adults too, as they feel they have been driving for so long, they are more comfortable and are not as alert, or even caring--also, more aggressive, too. Not all, but some. It always will go both ways.

  26. tlsaecourse profile image60
    tlsaecourseposted 12 years ago

    Yes, if he proved as a safe driver. In many sates of US minimum age to get driving license is 15.

    Many argue that age limit should be made 18 years for teens to get their driver license due to their reck less and inexperience driving attitude.

    Parents should teach their teens about consequences of reckless driving while allowing them to go behind the wheel and make them learn to be a safe driver

  27. aparkhurst7 profile image69
    aparkhurst7posted 11 years ago

    I think it's fine. The law needs to be more strict with texting and driving.

  28. JessBraz profile image91
    JessBrazposted 10 years ago

    No I don't. Before the invention of the cell phone, perhaps.. Kids were more mature back them.. Now kids are too attached to their cell phones and facebook apps.... Most can't even walk down the street without having their phone glued to their ears.

    You aren't allowed to vote until you're 18.
    You aren't allowed to drink alcohol until you're 19 (in Canada, 21 in the States)
    ... But yet... You're allowed to operate a machine that could potentially kill yourself and another person at the tender age of 16? Doesn't make much sense to me. It seems a little backwards. If you're not mature enough to drink or vote before 18/19, then you definitely can't handle the responsibility of driving... And that's just what driving is... It's more than a right... It's more than a privilege... It's a major responsibility. You. Can. Kill. People. With. A. Car. .... 16 year olds shouldn't be driving on their own.. Maybe with a parent or other licensed adult in the car, but definitely not on their own.

  29. AvineshP profile image59
    AvineshPposted 10 years ago

    They should not be allowed, at any cost. The main reason behind this is that they at the age of 16, they are not mature enough to drive independently. There are various reasons behind this. If the parents are allowing their kids to drive, then it is their fault.

  30. DDE profile image47
    DDEposted 10 years ago

    I don't think any one should drive unless they fully understand the meaning of driving, there has been far too many accidents that could have been prevented  in bad weather conditions.  Between the ages of eighteen and twenty five it is just increasing.   Sixteen year old shouldn't even get behind the wheel not experienced

  31. MrsGray32 profile image61
    MrsGray32posted 10 years ago

    No I do not, reason being they don't have enough life experience. Half the time they cant focus enough on school let alone driving.

  32. profile image54
    zain orikatposted 10 years ago

    NO.

    Because most of the teenagers don't care about the laws,if you give a teenager the
    freedom to do almost everything he will use this power only for his own good,but there are some teens that you can trust them in almost everything but again they are rare,like me i am 13 and going threw multi jobs to get an I7 and then get 10.000
    dollars and play GTA5 and assassin's creed 4 and minecraft what i am a game addicte,now lets stop talking about me,so you're asking this Q because you want to know when you should let you're teen son\daughter take a license but i want from you to remember that the bad teens come from the parents and the holes that's between generations they come from the bast generations.

  33. lone77star profile image72
    lone77starposted 10 years ago

    Age should have nothing to do with it.

    Responsibility and attention to detail should be the criteria, along with knowledge of the rules of the road, and related laws.

    My father drove an ambulance in West Texas at age 12, because most of the "men" were off to war (WW2).

    There are some 30 and 40-somethings I would NOT allow to drive because of their irresponsibility, lack of attention to details and lack of common sense and care.

  34. jaydawg808 profile image81
    jaydawg808posted 10 years ago

    I don't think they should be allowed to drive at 16.  Definitely not.  I think they should at least at age 18, though.  And move the drinking age to be 25.

  35. the50marathons17 profile image84
    the50marathons17posted 10 years ago

    Yes, but with the following restrictions:
    1)radio cannot be loud enough for a neighboring car waiting at a red light to hear
    2)no other person 16 or younger is permitted in the car
    3) no driving after a certain hour at night (such as 10 or 11 pm)

    I feel like all the people I knew who were 16-18 who got into accidents fell victim to one of those 3.

  36. easylearningweb profile image86
    easylearningwebposted 10 years ago

    I think there should be more restrictions and education to help young, inexperienced teens slowly transition to driving only when they ready. Maybe still allow permits at 16, and after 6 mos., restricted driving with supervision and more hours of practice. Then at 17, have a 2-part driving test to earn a license, and the part 2 driving test should be more involved and include a final exam. This will slow down the process and hopefully make teens more ready for the road.

  37. profile image53
    GaneshSinhaposted 10 years ago

    It all depends on the Skils, proper test should be taken and passing the driving school certificate test will definitely makes them a good driver.

  38. pctechgo profile image72
    pctechgoposted 10 years ago

    https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/8634703_f260.jpg

    No, not by themselves, not at 16. 

    There should be a licensed coherent competent fully developed adult with them 'till they're 18 ( or older if it were possible).    They should not even  be behind the wheel by themselves at 18 either but most often need to or have to drive on their own.

    A great program, if it were possible to put together nationally and stringently  enforce the implement of, is to perhaps setup driving hours like pilots have to do flying hours before they can get their license. They could be required to complete x number of driving hours starting at 16 before they are allowed to drive on their own. Kids grow up with Ballet practice , dancing practice, soccer practice, football practice , practices of all kinds scheduled a couple times a week for years. How about some driving practice?
    The current administration can consider it, it would create jobs. It can be uniquely and unofficially called Obama CARe  <- the little e is important here and is silent.  wink

  39. profile image53
    LindsayJennposted 10 years ago

    I think teens should not be allowed to drive at 16 years old , in my opinion , I think someone who allowed to drive at least at 18 years old better .

  40. mark112 profile image58
    mark112posted 10 years ago

    I think no because they didn't have a license at that age.

  41. profile image57
    EmilySparks2894posted 10 years ago

    I don't think it depends so much on age as is does the individual and their maturity level. Some people in their 20's and 30's have about us much right to drive a vehicle as a 10 year old.  Now I do believe there should be an age limit, because you can't deny someone a lisense today because of maturity, as that would never work.  The majority of teenagers today however are much immature and not being taught the responsibilities needed to be out on the road. I think parents should know their child enough to know if they are ready to become a driver.  You are talking about lives, yours as well as other. Anyway, that's just my opinion on things!

  42. profile image0
    Adityapullagurlaposted 10 years ago

    I dont agree, they can be given a partial permit with their parents aside. but not a full license. There should be a serious exam and scrutiny of their driving activities until they reach 18.

  43. profile image0
    Casimiroposted 10 years ago

    Unless the teen absolutely needs a car to maintain employment, then I say the age should be 18. Before that age, most teens are (or should be) in school and there is little need for a car, which just becomes a distraction anyway. Public transportation is usually available or there is the option of carpooling with parents rotating driving duties to get kids to school.

  44. Shari Miracle Osb profile image54
    Shari Miracle Osbposted 10 years ago

    No, reasoning is because kids today have no guideness as us older adults did back when we grew up, Not educated enough on responsibility and it is a privilege.

  45. brutishspoon profile image67
    brutishspoonposted 10 years ago

    Here in the UK we can get our provisional at 17 and as such can pass and get your Full License before you turn 18.

    I did not get my provisional till a day before my 18th and did not pass my test until I turned 19.

    I think full licenses should not be given until 18 but you should be able to start learning at 16. The more time you spend learning the better driver you should become.

    The one thing I think the UK needs to do is take the US Drivers Ed idea. It would be better to start learning off the roads away from traffic. Maybe even use a race track. The use of a skid pan to teach people about ice and water on a road would greatly help learners.

    I also think the use of videos in school that show crashes and there outcome would shock some.

  46. ktnptl profile image77
    ktnptlposted 10 years ago

    Teens should not allow driving before 18. If 18 is legal age for voting than why not the same rule apply in driving?

  47. tehgyb profile image84
    tehgybposted 10 years ago

    Statistically speaking, teens are safer drivers than most older drivers. So yes.

  48. shkavitasharma profile image54
    shkavitasharmaposted 10 years ago

    No, never do this foolish talk ever .
    we can say that a 16 years old guy is a child .
    and we know that some adult sites have not give permission to access that sites.
    if adult sites are not give them to permission of access them then how can we allow to drive teens who is 16 years old only ?

    i think that they should be wait for 18 years ...
    thank you ..

  49. profile image53
    silvetposted 9 years ago

    most certainly cuz they need experience  n there is no better time than their youth but ofcorse sm1 should b with them to watch over them

  50. lostohanababy profile image57
    lostohanababyposted 9 years ago

    If they have a job and can be responsible driving safely.   Work hard and eventually save up enough to buy their first car, before they total it, driving too fast or drinking, or showing off to friends.  The normal, serious kids I know or once knew when I was at that age.  It was about getting a part-time job in their Junior-year of high school.  Work. By a car, usually, one they could spend months on restoring or get a decent one, used, but looked good and 'runs'.  Study to graduate from High School, and impress their 'favorite' girl!

 
working

This website uses cookies

As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, hubpages.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.

For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: https://corp.maven.io/privacy-policy

Show Details
Necessary
HubPages Device IDThis is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.
LoginThis is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.
Google RecaptchaThis is used to prevent bots and spam. (Privacy Policy)
AkismetThis is used to detect comment spam. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Traffic PixelThis is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized.
Amazon Web ServicesThis is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy)
CloudflareThis is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy)
Google Hosted LibrariesJavascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy)
Features
Google Custom SearchThis is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy)
Google MapsSome articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Google ChartsThis is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)
Google AdSense Host APIThis service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Google YouTubeSome articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
VimeoSome articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
PaypalThis is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook LoginYou can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
MavenThis supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)
Marketing
Google AdSenseThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Google DoubleClickGoogle provides ad serving technology and runs an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Index ExchangeThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
SovrnThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook AdsThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Unified Ad MarketplaceThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
AppNexusThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
OpenxThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Rubicon ProjectThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
TripleLiftThis is an ad network. (Privacy Policy)
Say MediaWe partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy)
Remarketing PixelsWe may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.
Conversion Tracking PixelsWe may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.
Statistics
Author Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)
ComscoreComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Tracking PixelSome articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)
ClickscoThis is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy)