Changing Lanes: Switching the Legal Driving Age to 18

There are three important milestones in a teenager's life. Turning 13, 16, and 18. Thirteen marks the point when you're no longer considered a baby and become inducted into the "members only" teen club. Sixteen is when you get to drive and 18 is when you're officially an adult.

When I was a teen, once I got to high school all my friends and I could talk about was getting our driver's license. We couldn't wait to turn 16 to take that test. It was all about who was going to get a car first. Driving meant independence because you no longer had to depend on your parents to get around and status, especially if you were able to get a car.

But now Congress is considering a bill that could change all that. The Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act, or Standup Act, would set a federal standard for driver’s licensing laws and raise the minimum age to 16 for a learner’s permit, and 18 for a driver’s license. This program is designed for teen drivers to practice under less risky conditions before they take to the road themselves.

So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? How would you feel if you had to wait until you turned 18 to get your license? Speak your mind and let us know your thoughts.

-- Tymika Morrison
Brownstone Team