Is 17 years old too young to drive ?

Question

hello

im 17 years old ive passed my driving test and got my first car. however my family and family friends just dont seem to trust my driving, they say im too young to be on the road.

so do you lot think its too young ?

Answer 1

No.  They don't hand out driving licenses for fun.  You've taken a course, you've met the required standard.  

HOWEVER.....all this means it that you can carry on LEARNING to drive but unsupervised.  Driving takes a lifetime to master as different situations occur every day.  If you take this as your attitude and display that attitude and point out that a highly qualified examiner considers you capable of LEARNING to drive unsupervised then they can hardly argue.

IF HOWEVER.....you display the attitude "well I've passed my test I can drive how I want" you deserve the attitude that you're being given.

Accidents are caused by 10% bad driving, 90% bad attitude.

Although not a legal requirement, consider putting some GREEN  'L' or 'P' plates on your car for say 6 months, it may keep them happy.

Also consider doing a PASS PLUS course, it will show your family and associates that you're serious about improving your driving.  You could get cheaper insurance too.

Answer 2

I think it is not to young, but there is a lot to know even at my age 31.  Under stand there are groups of driver out there.  The dump, the careless, and the good no one can control someone else's' driving.  They will drive the way the like, the thing to konw is straighten up and drive right.  

Have fun getting in and out of your car, not with you car!

Safety First

Answer 3

I think it's a case of earning their trust, I know a few that passed their driving test at 17 and they did just fine. Try suggesting they go with you as a passenger to put their minds at rest.

Answer 4

If you can reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel, you're old enough to drive.

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

Well it's legal, but try to be safe and remember you have pretty much no experience on the roads unsupervised. You should still be practicing off road in car parks and that.

Answer 7

Depends a lot on your attitude. I've known 17 year olds who drive responsibly and 37 year olds who drive as if the road is their own and form a real risk to other road users.

If you are prepared to be respectful of others and to take care and pride in your driving then 17 is fine.

Answer 8

I am 17 also and getting my Drivers license. I don't think we are too young to drive. If by this age we can sign up for the army and get a job, then we d**n sure should be able to drive with a license that we have earned.

Answer 9

If you're a responsible driver and don't drive like an idiot then you're not too young to drive..

Answer 10

Yes...............

Among licensed drivers, young people between the ages of 15 and 20 have the highest rate of fatal crashes relative to other age groups, including the elderly. In fact, the risk of being involved in a fatal crash for teens is three times greater than for drivers age 65 to 69.

Immaturity and lack of driving experience are the two main factors leading to the high crash rate among teens.

Answer 11

I don't think 17 is too young, there are a lot of very sensible 17 yr olds out there.  

The problem is that statistics show that 17 to 25 yr olds, particularly males, are the highest risk group for having accidents.  

That said, we all know that there are also a lot of idiots on the road who are certainly over 25 and who ought not to be driving!

Answer 12

nope...

Answer 13

No not really if its legal and not a speed demon then yo should be right the government made it that age for a reason you know.

Hope i helped

P.O

Answer 14

how on earth they can say that for goodness sake you passed your driving test didnt you. i think your very good to have passed it so young and probably a better driver than them anyway.

Answer 15

Okay, I won't say 17 is too young to drive, but still, you're under-aged for legal age responsibilities. If you get involved in an accident, your parents will have to pay, not you. If it's DUI, your parents will have to bear the cost, not you (although your licence will be suspended). If your vehicle is involved as a crime transportation, your parents may be called upon for a remand, not you. Also remember, you're given a certain amount of points for driving ethics. You don't want a de-merit out of them either.

Answer 16

too young to have got the necessary experience, its chicken and egg so remember speed kills

Answer 17

Yes - check out the accident stats. I'm suprised you can afford the insurance!

Answer 18

no..my bro started driving when he was 14 and by the time he was 18 he managed to get his full license and my parents trusted him on the road (although y they did goes beyond me...)

you've proven yourself you are able to drive by passing the test and thus you've attained your license so therefore surely you are able to drive?

Answer 19

if your cars insured,taxed and youve passed your test whats there problem.you must be ok to drive.just be responsible and you will be fine

Answer 20

yes, 17 is too young.

We should change the federal law to 18 - for driving alone.

Answer 21

lets put it this way .. my 17 year old can only drive to school and home with nobody else in the car . I think 17 is young BUT you need to drive to get the experience and  that does not mean that the car is freedom to roam the streets .

Answer 22

Yes. If you need to go to school, take the school bus. need to go with friends? (Gee, bet this is why you want to drive huh?)Have your parents take you. A 17 yr old driving ,especially when most only know how to hug,high five, and listen to loud music.Yea, thats who I want on the road when my family is out there! Not!!!!!!!!