16 1/2…the state minimum age here in CT. All 5 of ours got licenses as soon as legally possible. They proved their responsibility and their curfews became relaxed over time. It was a great relief when they could drive to school and we did not have that duty.
CT has time restrictions on new drivers (not after 11PM) and they can not drive non-immediate family members for the first 6 months after getting a license..so no dragging friends to school or malls.
OOT, driving is essential, not a luxury…we don’t have the public transportation options of metro NY or other large cities.
13 years ago when I broke my leg I relied on the kids to drive me to clients, etc for a few months, glad they all were proficient and licensed. MIL lives next door. From the time the kids were driving they took her on errands daily. My kids also had summer jobs and cars were necessary to get to and from work. All 5 had their own cars by the time they were 18….
BTW, only the boys getting licenses raised out insurance rates, rates did not go up for the girls.
I also taught all of them how to drive a stick shift. In an emergency you should be able to drive any vehicle that is available. BUT…they are not allowed to drive MRS. CTL’s 1971 Jaguar XKE Convertible…that’s off limits (even to me).