in your opinion Is 16 too young to drive a car?

Question

i know you see this question everywhere but im confused myself.

Answer 1

Wow. Here's a hot button topic for everyone.

I'll put my 2 cents in.

In general, I'd say no, 16 is a good age to begin to drive.

However, let me qualify my remark.

I am a big proponent of adequate training, lots of time spent with qualified instructors and parents, and strict testing and licensing rules by the issuing state. It's a big responsibility to put yourself behind the wheel. I think most 16 year olds are ready to handle it, but I will agree with many of the other answerers, that individual better show he/she can be responsible before mom and dad turn over the keys. I personally know 18 year-olds who don't have the maturity to be driving!

Finally, I'd say the car plays a factor too. I wouldn't expect a new driver to handle some huge SUV or souped-up sports car. A small to midside chevy or ford (like a Cavalier, Malibu, Focus, or Escort.) would be a good choice.

Good luck and tell the new driver (if there is one) to be safe.

Answer 2

There are some 16 year olds I know who are more responsible than some of the 30 year olds I know. You have to start driving sometime. Even if they move the legal age to drive to 18, the 18 year olds would still be inexperienced. I think 16 is a good age because then the parents still have control and restrictions they can place on driving.

With that being said, it's probably not a bad idea to keep driving privilages to a minimum until a person turns 18 years old.

Answer 3

No, I don't think it's too young. I started driving at 16 (well, I actually started at 14 with a learner's permit), and I drove pretty well and responsibly. I think it really depends on the person. A mature 16 year old is likely to handle it pretty well. An immature and irresponsible 16 year old shouldn't drive just like an immature and irresponsible 25 year old shouldn't drive.

Answer 4

I depends on the maturity of the 16 year old and the car. IE no 69 charger with a hemi a 4 cylinder tracer would be perfect to start with. Or to not look soo much like a mom taxi a focus. and you must know the type and amount of oil needed type of trans fluid. Get some one to show how to take care of the car you don't want a 16 year old stranded and scared at night.

Answer 5

It depends on the kid. My 16 year old son was mature enough when he got his. His cousin just turned 18 and is getting his finally. His maturity is still a little questionable. It just depends on the person. I think the parent plays a huge role in getting the person ready to drive and to handle the responsiblitly as well. I wasn't ready at 16. I was 17 and glad I waited the extra year. That was me though. Everyone is different.

Answer 6

16 is not too young if they have had experience driving with an instructor and are comfortable with driving. while in training more time should be spent explaining the consequences of reckless driving. the fines should be higher for new drivers to act as an deterrent from showing off and driving irresponsibly.

Answer 7

Age has nothing to do with one's ability do drive. If soemone is careful and responsible, then a 16 year old is just as good a driver as a 30 year old.

Answer 8

By the Time I was 15 I was driving myself to work and I'm 24 .
I you know that's good! What if an emergency happens you can drive someone to help.

Answer 9

In MY opinion, YES! if you drive anything like I did when I was 16.

Answer 10

I'm well past that age, but my considered opinion is that the age of a person does not reflect on that person's ability to take resposibility for his /her actions. I think there should be a minimum age, but I think it's more important that the new driver demonstrate with out a doubt that he or she is prepared to accept full responsibility for thier actions.