Getting a driver’s license is one of the huge steps in the life of a teenager. It is a step into a new kind of life called: adulthood. Many people believe that the age should be raised to 18 for many safety reasons. However, the minimum age of 16 is just the right number. 

Teenagers are well trained to drive and obtain many hours of education on how to drive safe. The state of North Carolina requires young drivers to go through a driver’s education class. After the class is completed and you have taken a behind the wheel training with an instructor, you need to go to the DMV and test for a level 1 permit. To obtain a level two license, teens must take a road test with an examiner and have a minimum of 60 hours with 10 hours including night time driving.  

Adolescents having their license makes it easier for them to commute to school without asking their parents or taking the bus. Even if they don’t live far from school, being able to drive makes it easier to get to their extracurricular activities, sports, and even work. Apex High School student Addie Louder said, “I’m 16 currently and I have a job. I drive to work on most days and it’s really convenient for me to get there and back especially when I get let off early. It’s also really useful in bad weather so I don’t have to walk.”  Scheduling rides can become a major issue, especially when both parents are busy and have work. If teenagers ever drive unsafely, their privileges can be taken away by their parents, keeping unsafe drivers off the roads.   

There have been many successful steps to reduce the occurrence of any car crashes happening within teenagers. The “year rule” is where teenagers are not allowed to operate any vehicle from 9pm to 5am, and no more than one person under the age of 21 in the car apart from family. This has proved to be extremely effective in reducing the number of crashes within teenagers. 

There is no need for parents to worry about their child driving, as long as they educate them on how to drive safely and how to avoid danger on the roads. This is all the more reason for teens to obtain their license at 16.