MrJonno wrote:Car ownership is quite strictly contolled in the UK (not strict enough through), 17 is way to young the minimum age should be 21. not to mention no one has a right to drive a car
A 16 year old is perfectly capable of driving a car, and learning responsible driving habits when young is far better than waiting until one is 21.
The best way to do it is to have an early drivers permit at, like 15 1/2 years old, that allows a kid to drive only when a parent or guardian is in the car supervising them, and only in the daytime.
Expand the privilege every 6 months to a year a little bit. Supervised nighttime driving at 16 or 16 1/2. Add a mandatory driver training course, and then allow unsupervised daytime driving to and from school or work at 17. Restrict driving privileges if a traffic infraction occurs. Require a decent driving test to ensure that the person can control the vehicle.
To wait until 21, especially in areas where people need cars to get places (like most of the US) - not allowing a person to drive until 21 would pretty much make it impossible for them to get to work or college.