Driving includes a lot more restrictions these days depending on your state. Today in our state teens can’t drive their friends for a year. (Makes date nights humorous with everyone in their own car.) They aren’t even supposed to drive their siblings. They have curfews. The training classes are expensive. The insurance even more so. Some area traffic is so bad that taking public transit is more time efficient. Not to mention, kids don’t get out as much either. Their computer and phone connect them to everyone they want. Their activities tend to be organized and structured in a way that taking the trolley at the same time everyday is no big deal. It’s just a different world that when I was 16.
I had to push my eldest to get her license just before she turned 17. In her case, she was scared… massive fear of failure. I told her I didn’t care if she ever drove again but no kid of mine was going to college unable to drive a car or trying to apply to jobs without a valid driver’s license. Of course, she LOVED it and the freedom driving gives. No regrets putting the foot down. Didn’t have to push my son, he couldn’t wait to drive! They were the youngest in our family though. All their cousins waited until 18 or older.