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Should the driving age be lowered to 14?
My family got into a silly conversation last night about the driving age. My 14-year-old sister teased my dad for being a bad driver and said she could drive better than him despite not even having a license. Is my sister actually onto something? Should the driving age be lowered to 14 years old?
Maxine Boyko · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
First of all, it sounds like your family is super fun! To cut straight to your question, in a few states, 14 to 14.5 is the qualifying age to get a learner’s permit or restricted license. You still have to be at least 16, though, for a full, unrestricted license.
There are some reasonable arguments for lowering the driving age to 14. For example, having a driver’s license would give younger teens more autonomy and the ability to assist their parents with errands. Additionally, younger drivers tend to have:
- Quicker reaction times and more navigational agility
- Better eyesight
- More driving stamina overall
On the other hand, younger teenagers are more likely to:
- Be poor decision-makers when stressed
- Get easily distracted
- Incorrectly assess or react dangerously
- Act impulsively
Some 14-year-olds could be great drivers, but society knows this isn’t always the case, which is why getting your license at 14 is currently not an option.
Still, there’s no harm in letting your sister fantasize about being out on the open road, and you’re never too young to learn essential
road safety tips
. While you’re here, why not also get a better insurance policy?
Jerry
can make your car insurance shopping quick, easy, and affordable, with car insurance quotes from over 50 name-brand insurers.View full answer
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