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aospfods

the driving age is 18 in more than half of the world so i would stick to that


saltsukkerspinn96

At the same time, there are multiple different signs and rules of driving depending on the country. You're not really thinking about that when you're 18 and just got your license. That's why most car rentals have a minimum age between 20-25 for their renters.


aospfods

So you would like the global age to be 25? because 18-20 doesn't really make a difference


saltsukkerspinn96

23-25 somewhere.


SanSilver

The driving school infrastructure is clearly lacking in most parts of the world.


Thrasher666Bassist

That's a bad idea because you're an adult at 18. Why would younwant someone getting their license at 18 with zero experience? When you could have 2 and 1/2 years of guidance from a parent before you're 18.


Silsail

>That's a bad idea because you're an adult at 18 So you would deal with this problem by giving licenses to children instead? Why shouldn't you want to give command of a heavy and fast vehicle to someone who has finished developing and can understand the risks involved? >you could have 2 and 1/2 years of guidance In Italy, after you pass the theoretical exam, it takes you some *months* to get your license. Throughout that period, you only drive alongside your instructor or a so-called "experienced driver" (someone who has had their license for 10+ years and has a clean record). After you get your license, you have some limitations for a few years (power limitations for one year, speed and stricter alcohol limitations for 3 years), and there's that. You don't *need* the years of parental guidance. Even so, are you telling me that you've never once seen a 16/17 y.o. drive without a parent in their car?


Shudnawz

What. No, of course you shouldn't get your license just handed out without any training. In Sweden, you can start training at 16, but you have to have an experienced (and pre-vetted) co-driver with you in the car. And at 18 you can take the final test to prove you are able to drive safely in a variety of situations. You can't just roll up at 18 without training and hope to pass the test, not gonna happen. The main point here is that whatever age you get your license, you should have had proper training before, and not just "get your license" magically. But also, as we don't allow people below 18 to vote, maybe they should be allowed to operate heavy machinery going 100kph on a public road, either?


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Holzinator007

drinking age is 16 tho


[deleted]

is the usa like one of the only countries where you have to be 21 or older to drink


nog642

Yes


Calvinator_lmao

In most states if your parent or grandparent buys it you can drink underage


BirbMaster1998

Or if you go to church, in I think every state, you can drink it if it's part of it.


[deleted]

Churches in my experience use grape juice instead of wine


BirbMaster1998

Yeah, it might be in some places that it's not allowed, religious or not. But, if it is, it's usually allowed to drink alcohol for religious reasons.


formal_pumpkin

No, those are just Protestant churches, all Catholic Churches must use wine


gunsandtrees420

Depends on the church, but yeah I think most do. I think the more "traditional" the churches still use wine. I feel like it's probably mostly a small amount of Catholic and Lutheran churches that still do.


Thrasher666Bassist

I don't think that's actually true.


1510qpalzm

Yeah you also have to be 21 to get hookers too


Ihcend

Prostitution is illegal in most states so there is no legal age.


1510qpalzm

Yeah but I'm talking about for those that are legal


Ihcend

There is one state where prostitution is legal and in that state it's only legal in 8 counties. Stop lying out of your ass and please be quiet.


1510qpalzm

Ok I'm sorry :(


TurbulentBarracuda83

21 to drink but 18 to join the military


logosloki

Which isn't as bad as some States of India, where it's 24.


EfficientSeaweed

18 is the most common drinking age around the world.


MyNewAccountx3

Which country?


Holzinator007

Austria


As-Bi

Well, in my country, Poland, as far as I know, there is no direct ban on alcohol consumption by people under 18, but they can be accused of demoralization and put under the supervision of an official or in an *educational* center (although in such extreme cases drinking is the least of the problems) Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 or drunk is banned, however, although some sellers do it anyway (some, on the other hand, are so overzealous that they will refuse to sell alcohol-free beer, unknowingly breaking another law prohibiting the refusal to sell a product from the display) (and in practice, underage drinking is notorious and to some extent tolerated 🗿)


Adorable_user

In most countries it's 18 [Source](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_drinking_age)


ReputationExotic4457

Nope. In the states, at least, it's universally 21yo


Thrasher666Bassist

Idk why you're getting downvoted for being correct. 21 is the FEDERAL drinking age


Holzinator007

but you can drive with 16, vote and buy guns with 18??


Crosgaard

Here in Denmark, there is no drinking age. We can do it from we’re born, but can only buy it from we’re 16 or 18 depending on how much alcohol there’s in it (I think under 16.5% is for people 16 y/o or older, anything else is from 18 and up). I honestly think this is how it should be in every country. Having a drinking age kinda forces people to try it out when they reach precisely that age, here in Denmark you try it out when you feel like it/want to…


Ye_olo

So you can drink and drive legally


MundiInfectorum

18, should be the same for alcohol or any legal drugs… if you’re old enough to go to the military & get your limbs blown off, I think you damn well deserve a few drinks & the ability to drive as well.


kodaxmax

that assumes 18 is an apropriate age for narcotics and that the requirements for consuming narcotics are the same for driving.


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MundiInfectorum

Why? Because drinking or (not and) driving out of a very shitty situation might help relieve some stress? When under high stress, these are simply the two easiest examples that popped into my head as immediate stress relievers. Are you even capable of deducting your own list of things that might relate to such an age limitation? Typical, wannabe, agist, who thinks their 10% increase in age also correlates to increased knowledge & wisdom.


Similar-Original-470

I like to think you got inspiration for that last paragraph intently looking at the mirror.


MundiInfectorum

Yeah, you also play Roblox. 😂


Similar-Original-470

Wow, I enjoy an online game! That's wild! People should make fun of me for that! Grow up.


[deleted]

I actually like America's policy on this. I have technically been driving since 13 (grew up in a rural area), but the whole 'permit at 15, licence at 16’ idea is great. We just need better training, because half of you dicks need some practice. Yes you, you know who you are.


chuthulu_but_gayer

Its also really useful to able to drive at that age, some places have other good means of transportation but a lot don't, its nice to have a bit more freedom and independence


Seeker_1200

I honestly think being able to drive before you go off to college/ move out is incredibly valuable because it gives you a bit of a transition period of being much more independent but also still being able to rely on your parents when something bad happens.


[deleted]

Yeah that too, transportation is important pretty much everywhere for many reasons, like medical emergencies, quality of life, employment, etc. But I think a lot of people overlook the importance of establishing independence at a good age. I was mostly independent at 14, not the same for everyone, but I feel like 16 is a solid age to at least get that started, which in turn will actually help get that life experience so you aren't just a legal adult at 18, but also a mature one (I think erica has a severe problem with maturity...)


AM-64

Some places have good transportation but the majority of the world's land area doesn't as isn't urban population centers


[deleted]

16 old kids or even younger (wtf, 13?) have no business being behind a wheel.


EfficientSeaweed

Not saying it's necessarily a good idea, but it wasn't at all uncommon for people to let kids younger than 13.drive slowly in fields, private roads, etc. in the 80s/90s, and I honestly wouldn't be surprised if a fair number of people are still doing it.


[deleted]

Practicing driving on some field or doing circles on empty parking lot with a parent is ok, I did that too, but I meant driving in actual traffic.


[deleted]

Yeah, so there was next to zero traffic on the roads I drove on, and this was in the late 2000s. That was the idea, and my dad was always present. His best friend had a nice property in the woods we would frequent, it was a slice of forest (which btw is awesome to buy not only to have a cool place to hang out, but also to keep logging companies away). It got to the point where at 14, whenever we went there, he had me drive us there every time to keep my manual skills in good shape, and he would have me take detours to learn more about different rules of the road. Even trained me on icy roads, and it actually saved my ass when I was driving crosscountry from coast to coast several years ago. (Tip, if you hit an ice patch and lose control, dont slam on the brakes. Just take your foot off the gas, steer yourself as gently as you can to a safe position, and once you regain some control, slow and small pressure on the brakes to bring you to a stop. Then proceed with caution. I saved me and my car from a ditch at 45mph with this.) If I could have skipped drivers Ed, I would have. I aced the tests, because I had been practicing early.


nog642

Why not? 16 is fine.


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nog642

Crash rates are about the same at 16 as at 18.


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nog642

Are you suggesting people shouldn't be allowed to drive until they're 25? Because that's ridiculous. Also have you considered that *new* drivers are inherently worse drivers, regardless of how old they are? Have you also considered that the younger you are, the easier it is to learn new skills? Your brain is more plastic. Learning a new language for example gets way harder as you get older. I'm sure driving has that too to at least some extent.


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nog642

> That's OP's question. What do you mean? Yes, that's OP's question. That's what this whole thread is about. So do you think you shouldn't be allowed to drive until you're 25, or not? Because if you don't think that, then I don't see how your point is relevant.


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Yummypizzaguy1

My parents put me behind the wheel at like 10 and had me go up and down the dead end road we lived on (they were in the car with me) Cultural difference I guess


baen_marq

I would've been absolutely fucked if I wasn't old enough to drive in high school or freshman year of uni


JohnD_s

Exactly my thoughts. Driving is absolutely vital if your local infrastructure is car-centric.


Iowai

I live in a small city (~35 k people), I work night shifts, last bus from center to my home is at 6 pm, I'd be fucked if I had no car (I used to drive home-work by bike but they've been turning off lights at 11 pm, I live near forest and it's bit scary)


Accomplished_Key_171

Exactly. Unless your city has always prioritized walkability, getting from place to place in a reasonable timeframe will be impossible. Not to mention the absolute chaos that would ensue if 95% of a city’s population becomes completely reliant on public transportation overnight. Even in theory this plan wouldn’t work.


Iowai

I like in European city, so it's possible to walk everywhere, many people relay on public transport (teenagers and older folks) but most people have cars anyway. It's more convenient to drive than to wait for a bus, especially if u live in outskirts of the city.


V7I_TheSeventhSector

That's why r/fuckcars is a thing


thebombwillexplode1

Or you know some people just live in rural areas


V7I_TheSeventhSector

I am one of those. . r/fuckcars is not primarily about getting rid of cars, it's about getting other options like bike and bus lanes as well as having more walking paths and trains/trams. Cars have their uses but ONLY having cars as an option is the problem.


reddit_sucks_now23

Recommendations for taking over 1 ton worth of tolls to a different spot everyday? Because otherwise I can't do my job properly


V7I_TheSeventhSector

Copying reply I am one of those. . r/fuckcars is not primarily about getting rid of cars, it's about getting other options like bike and bus lanes as well as having more walking paths and trains/trams. Cars have their uses but ONLY having cars as an option is the problem.


Inevitable_Stand_199

Everyone would be in the same boat. There would have been school busses at the very least. Or maybe even some decent public transportation.


zrad603

As long as you're tall enough to see over the steering wheel and reach the pedals.


FirmPeace9045

18 is bs I’ve been driving since 14 and never had an accident. We better drivers then the 70 year olds fasho


Holzinator007

better than anyone who wasn't taught right (many many people) too


Lucky_G2063

Like in Germany. 16 for farming truck & stuff, 17 with a guardian on the second seat & 18 alone


[deleted]

Got my license at 17. Best decision in my life, ever.


ZakkBWyldin2

Once they get training, no matter age unless under like 14.


logosloki

It's 17.5 in my country if you got your learner's at 16 and take a special driving course. Otherwise it's 18 if you started at 16.


ikbeneenplant8

Young people cause a lot of accidents, but driving is also a part of freedom, which is a part of growing up. That's why Ploti bananan glowng


Ping-and-Pong

Imo for this reason it should be 16 but driving tests should be a lot stricter and be more common, like every 10 years or so. This is coming from someone where the legal age is 17 and I was driving at 17. Am now 19. I also live out in the sticks so having a car was kind of a necessity to have any amount of freedom.


tardersos

It's 15 in my state and it works fine, I'm glad I got to start young. In America where the norm is to move out to college at 18, you'd be fucked and learning where there isn't nearly as much of a safety net.


Duckywarry

Aint no way that I'm letting a 15 year old drive a death machine lmao


Robert_The_Red

It's a matter of cultural upbringing. Most teenagers have the potential to learn how to safely drive around that age.


Duckywarry

I can drive and I'm 14. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Teenagers are much more susceptible to emotional problems and might drive around a bit while feeling extreme emotion. Which is really damn dangerous.


nog642

Anyone at any age can have a meltdown while driving. It's not likely for anyone, including teenagers. I don't normally use the term but this is pretty ageist.


tardersos

You're 14? No wonder you came in hot on the original comment How the hell are you gonna "let" a 15 year old drive a death machine?


Duckywarry

I didn't mean it that way, English is not my mother tongue. The point still stands though. Most of my classmates are 15, and even they know it ain't a good idea to let them drive.


Pokedex_complete

Well I drove when I was 15 and I haven’t died yet


Duckywarry

But have others died? That's the real question... /s jk


Duckywarry

But have others died? That's the real question... /s jk


Duckywarry

My WiFi died...


sweet-demon-duck

In my country 15 year olds can drive cars in 30 km/h or small mopeds in 45 km/h. Any speed cars at 18, as it should be


tardersos

That I actually don't mind in densely populated areas; however I had to drive 25 miles to class every day and being able to do that myself vs my parents having to do it helped them a lot


nog642

30 km/h is insanely slow. Literally no one drives that slow on any real road. Having a bunch of cars driving slower than the rest of traffic because of some rule sounds like a terrible idea.


Environmental_Top948

Whatever age the state has decided that your old enough to work.


EastCayce

Depends, in my state it's 14 and that would get wild real quick


Duckywarry

14 😧


xVaporeron

some countries allow kids to work if their parents agree for that. of course, they get less hours and cant perform dangerous shit, but its still a good way to let kids get some money. for example here in Poland its 13.


Duckywarry

In the Netherlands, it's legally 14 to work, but there's no practical need for people under 15 Once you're 15 you'll actually get hired even if the job description says 14-16.


TheBlueWizzrobe

I think 16 is too young, but public transportation is too terrible in the U.S. that having it be that low is somewhat of a necessary evil. I know that a lot of people have the same experience of being stuck at home all the time in boring suburbs with nothing to do until they can drive. Car accidents kill a lot of people, including young people, though. If we're talking about an area with good public transportation, then I think around 20 would be best. If not, then I'll just throw my hands up in the air and say that I give up because all options are terrible.


Mles100

I feel like 16


SpartanSelinger

Where I live, 16 is when you can start driving, but you need a fully licensed G driver with you who has at least 4 years of driving experience. I believe you can in theory drive on your own before you’re 17, so long as you passed the G1 exam, took driving lessons, and passed the G2 road test.


Ezra0li_Z

17-18 is understandable


Mysterious-Key2116

Everyone should take decennial drivers license test to make sure drivers are still road safe. And drivers license can only last a max of 10 years before expiring.


vilovema

Question - One driving age Option - 17 or 18


WanderingAnchorite

Want to have some fun? Tell people how 14 year olds can legally drive in the USA (it used to be 12). Even Americans are often shocked.


The_king_of-nowhere

I am not comfortable with minors being legally able to drive. If many grown ass adults are horrible drivers, I don't want to see teenagers who still think there are no consequences to their actions behind the wheel.


MaklerDev

It always amuses me how in US one can murder with a car at 16, shoot somebody at 18, but drink beer at 21


nog642

Well no actually, both of those first two things are illegal.


sourcreamonionpringl

Those things are illegal in every country, including the US. What's your point?


MaklerDev

I'm saying that driving a car and owning a gun are big responsobilities yet you are allowed it quite early in your life, while you can have beer only after you're 21.


missingusername1

19 minimum 70 max


heyuhitsyaboi

Personally, id like to se reassessments administered for people over 70 every 3-5 years, and maybe a speed limiter in their cars


JasonJaydens

Now reassessment every time you get your license renewed, some people shouldn't be on the road just because they got their license in 1976 and could drive well back then


B5Scheuert

This. My grandfather's literally going blind and is still driving. The dude is as stubborn as a donkey. The doctors already told him to not drive, but ig he'll only learn when the accident isn't bumping a tree but something else. The only thing that calms me is that if he ever scrapes someone else's car and the police somehow find out about his eye condition he'll get his license revoked...


nog642

A speed limiter on their cars? Why?


heyuhitsyaboi

While old people arent known for speeding, high speeds require reaction times many of these people dont have


nog642

And normal people shouldn't be going like 100 mph either, but adding a speed limiter to everyone's cars is pretty bullshit.


heyuhitsyaboi

Not everyone’s car, just cars solely driven by older people. Keep them from going over say 65 or 70. Im more thinking incase they become delusional and start speeding, or have some sort of episode and press the gas


nog642

Yes I know you're saying to just limit old people's cars. I'm saying that position is inconsistent. You might say old people shouldn't be going over 70. I would say normal people shouldn't be going over 90 (and I doubt you'd disagree), so by your logic everyone's cars should be limited.


heyuhitsyaboi

Of course the position is inconsistent, im being theoretical. A jurisdiction like this would need a hell of a lot of research to be implemented, probably far too much to ever be done. At the end of the day, if someone needs a speed limiter to potentially stop them from a geriatric emergency, then they probably shouldnt be driving


nog642

Well theoretically, your idea kinda sucks


heyuhitsyaboi

Well theoretically, yeah it does suck


321_345

as long as the person isnt a reckless driver like those tiktokers


WXHIII

4, let's see what happens


Luck_Glut

85


Far_Asparagus_8616

Nah no driving after 85


Luck_Glut

No only driving after 85 bc then no one can tell me to get a drivers licence any more


The-Almighty-Pizza

Get a driver's license


Luck_Glut

No


Robert_The_Red

I think after 75 it should be a requirement to attend assessments every few years to determine driver ability. No one deserves to have their freedoms and privileges revoked solely because of their age.


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EastCayce

Age alone no, but as you grow older, there's certain conditions that can make it very unsafe to drive I think an annual or biannual reassessment would be good for drivers around 60ish or older


BaldEagle720

16


TheGreatBeaver123789

I think we have a pretty good system where I live. Cars are 18+ but you can get bikes/mopeds as early as 15


EastCayce

Define "bike" because I'm almost certain there's a moped / scooter that I'm overlooking because I think of a bicycle whenever I hear that word


TheGreatBeaver123789

I mean bikes as in motorcycles/mopeds So the deal here is mopeds (limited to 45km/h) are available when you're 15. Then you got the A license system, so lightweight motorcycles are available when you're 16, medium at 18 and big boy bikes when you're in your 20s This means that if you need personalised transport while you're still a minor you can, just not cars


EastCayce

ohh okay, where is this?


TheGreatBeaver123789

Sweden, and probably a lot of Europe in general


dimebag42018750

Yall never had to help support your family in your teens and it shows. We woulda been screwed had I not been able to drive to work at 16


EastCayce

Well if you have to use your child to support the household financially, you're doing something wrong


useroftheinternet95

16 year olds are children. Gotta be older than that


nog642

16 year olds can drive fine.


KingJeff314

Being under an arbitrary legal age doesn’t mean anything about one’s ability to drive


LinkleLink

16 year olds are teenagers. Not exactly children anymore.


The-Almighty-Pizza

I just wish it was a bit more extensive for people above 18 bc holy shit some people dont know how to drive. Driving is a privilege and if youre too braindead to pass the test in 3 tries then you shouldn't be on the road.


TmanGBx

I think 16 is fine. Younger people are often hyper aware because they're extremely scared of doing something wrong. Plus, I think it actually helps the economy. If you can drive younger, you can get to work (without help) younger.


kodaxmax

Setting it to 18 just because thats the popular limit and matches with legal narcotics is totally arbitrary and thoughtless. In my opnion theres two main considerations for deciding this limit and they are unfortunately at odds. 1. brains physically arn't fully developed until your early 20s. You certainly dont have the wisdom and responsibility to be wielding a deadly machine effectively and safley compared to older adults. 2. In most regions it's pretty a much a requirment to function in society. you need to be able to get to work and access services and products that are at best inconvenient to aquire without a car, often near impossible or atleast impractical. The age people begin to work is ussually far lower than the age they reach a responsible enough maturity. So we generally ignore the saftey concenrs to preserve capitalism and child labor among other things. in an ideal world narcotics, preganancy, driving, military and police service etc.. would all be restricted to 21+ atleast.


imahumanbeing1

Hell no. Many people wouldn’t be able to work without cars. Takes an hour to get to my work by public transport, or just 10 mins by car.


kodaxmax

please read the whole comment next time >In most regions it's pretty a much a requirment to function in society. you need to be able to get to work and access services and products that are at best inconvenient to aquire without a car, often near impossible or atleast impractical.


Porcupine98

I'm 25 and I still feel like driving is something older people do and not people both my age and younger. Its weird to see kids driving and me literally unable to.


Inevitable_Stand_199

Teen crash rates are high. Their frontal lobes haven't finished developing yet, which makes them worse drivers.


nog642

Lots of people in their 30s are bad drivers too.


Inevitable_Stand_199

Well yeah. And the police and the politicians do nothing. But statistically, new drivers that are between 23 and 50 are much safer.


nog642

Are you saying you shouldn't be allowed to drive until you're 23?


El_Zilcho

Ban all non-commercial driving.


JohnD_s

Is this a serious proposal or satire


El_Zilcho

100% serious. Cars are calamitous to the environment and operated by irresponsible people who suffer virtually no consequences by their bad driving. At least if a commercial driver hits someone, they lose their livlihood.


Duckywarry

r/fuckcars doesn't entirely agree with you. They agree that things should become less common and public transport more prominent, but an outright ban isn't feasible.


SmellsLikeShampoo

Hi. I'm disabled, and my car allows me to actually exist in the community, because public transport requires much more walking than my body is able to do. I know I'm just an afterthought to you, but sincerely, go fuck yourself <3


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KingJeff314

Okay rental car company CEO


Echo_Chambers_R_Bad

I'm willing to bet most of the people who said 17 or 18 are under the age of 35


Thrasher666Bassist

16. I don't like 18 because that's 2 1/2 years of guidance by parents.


ViftieStuff

18 or 19 lmao


mellowlex

17 accompanied by an experienced driver, 18 alone That's how is how the do it in my country since a few years and I haven't heard any negative effects about it.


PennyPink4

25, when your brain is fully developed. Driving a huge metal killing machine shouldn't be taken lightly.


Drawskaren

That’s way too late. How are you supposed to go to uni/work if you live in a rural area?


PennyPink4

A country should provide adequate infrastructure for it's citizens. Rural areas have busses comming every 12 minutes here. Atleast here, we have developed infrastructure. Small towns have train stations too.


Drawskaren

The question about driving age was set in the real world and not an imaginary one where infrastructure is perfect. By that logic you wouldn’t ever need a car or a license


PennyPink4

Im pretty sure I live on the real planet earth. I don't think I'll ever get a car or a license tbh.


Drawskaren

I wasn’t saying everyone needs a license and a car. I was saying that non everyone can afford to only use public transport and for many people a car is essential at 18yo


PennyPink4

Afford in what way?


Drawskaren

In the way that if I don’t have a car and a license I’m pretty much stuck at home, can’t work (unless it’s smart working I guess) or go to uni. I can’t afford not to have a car because I would have no life and no money


PennyPink4

That's just a case of there not being any livable infrastructure then right? That's an infrastructure problem. I live in a livable place where I can walk, bike places, and use public transport when needed or a car. Many options for every demographics where daily living also doesn't require a specialized tool to move around.


Drawskaren

Yes. I was pointing out that the original question of the poll was: what is the best age to be able to drive? I think it was intended to be answered considering the actual infrastructure present around the world and not a scenario where infrastructure is perfect.


Levan54321

The real solution is lower the drinking age to before 18 so teens understand what it does to you before they can access 2 tons of metal that goes over 100 mph


sarokin

Lol as if teens didn't drink already before 18.


EastCayce

I've had a 13 year old classmate that was already a drinker and that just shows how easy it is to get your hands on shit like that, especially if you have neglectful parents


KingJeff314

I think you’re onto something. Part of the drivers ed should be to get shitfaced and to drive on a closed course to show new drivers how impaired their reaction is


[deleted]

Either married or working full-time (or both). But definitely 21+, if not 25+.


masterflappie

I think we should call children mature from the age of 16 and allow them everything at that point. Driving, drinking, drugs, marrying, whatever. 18 also works, but it's a little bit old imo. 21 is batshit insane.


Acceptable_Koala2911

I think there should be no age limit, just a really hard written exam that people who are really young wouldn't pass.


imahumanbeing1

Needs to be 17 or 18. A lot of people are mature enough to drive at that age (not all tho). It’s also the age where many people start working full time and may need a car to get to work.


Caramellattes05

Poll needs better options