Driving Age Research Paper

A majority of states in the United States legal driving age limit is sixteen (forty-three states have sixteen years old as the legal driving age limit). On contrary to other states where the age limit to have a restricted license at the age of fourteen, fifteen, or seventeen, sixteen years old is the most successful age for states to allow teens to get a restricted license. The legal driving age in the United States should stay at sixteen years old because it allows teenagers a sense of responsibility, permits teens to get jobs, and is more accessible for parents and families. The age limit of sixteen to get a restricted license brings on a new sense of responsibility for teenagers. For example, with this low driving age limit, teenagers
are obligated to make smart decisions at a fast pace. Behind the wheel, people are obliged to make sharp-witted decisions to keep the roads safe. Whether it’s using a turn signal, making sure to go the exact speed limit, or even checking the rearview mirrors every five seconds, getting behind the wheel is a tremendous responsibility. Teenagers have the privilege to earn this responsibility at a young age, and before they can fully take on the course of driving alone, there is a minimum of a six month learning period before doing so (DPS Texas). This six month period of a learner's license authorizes teenagers to be aware of the dangers of driving, and teaches how to avoid any complications on the road. Driving as a teenager brings a new sense of responsibility and prepares teenagers for quick paced decision making. As soon as some teens turn sixteen, they get jobs. Whether it’s to pay for gas, materialistic things, or to help support their families, getting a job as a sixteen year old is very common. Without a license, teenagers wouldn’t be able to get to and from work, which would result in not being able to help their families, or buy things parents wouldn’t. It isn’t uncommon for teenagers to be forced into getting jobs to pay for things for extracurriculars, such as needing to pay for equipment, uniforms, and fees. Without having a license, sixteen year olds wouldn’t be able to go to work, and do these things for themselves. This could lead to not being able to pursue sports or arts, not being able to buy clothes or shoes, and not being able to pay for any materialistic things. Parents typically have to fit their work schedules around their children’s schedules. When teens turn sixteen and are allowed to get licenses, parents are relieved that their teen will finally be able to go to and from school and work without depending on parents or friends for transportation. Although students could still ride the bus throughout high school, every seven out of ten students play sports, or are in other extracurricular activities (Pew Research), and aren’t able to do so. This can be a struggle to parents and students because sometimes practices or rehearsals last longer than expected, and without a license, parents are stuck waiting around for their child to be released. With a license, parents can work overtime if needed, and students can get released at whatever time without having to limit parents from work to transport them whenever. Although some may believe the legal driving age limit should be raised to eighteen years old, sixteen years is a highly effective and efficient age to be allowed to drive.
It is said that sixteen year olds are too irresponsible to be allowed on the roads alone, but driving allows teens to be responsible. Teenagers can overcome irresponsibility and immaturity when they start driving because they have a hands-on experience of dangerous consequences if a single wrong move is made. Some say that teenagers will abuse their privilege to drive and go out and do irresponsible things such as party and drink alcohol. Although some teenagers are irresponsible enough to do this, teenagers also will give themselves the responsibility of being a designated driver, or caring too much about their own safety and stray from irresponsible situations like those. The legal driving age of sixteen years old should stay the same because it allows a sense of responsibility, enables teenages to get a job, and getting a license is more accessible for parents and families. Teens are more responsible with a license, for they get to have a hands on experience of the dangers of the road. Getting a job is an important obligation to teens, so they can buy their own things, or get in extracurricular activities. Parents won’t have to worry about transporting teens
everywhere.