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For these reasons, we agree that the driver’s age should be changed from 16 and set at 18 years old.
However, we also think an alternative to licensing young drivers might be a graduated license with early requirements prohibiting cell phones, text messaging and other attractive distractions for teens. Of course, some leeway has to be given for those teens who have after-school jobs and need to drive to their place of employment.
Clearly, more experienced and better-trained young drivers are preferable to young drivers who pose a threat to themselves and others on the highways.
For safety to all, we think the age to acquire a driver’s license should be set at 18 with graduated licenses available to those who want to drive.
Parent/guardian must certify that a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, has been completed.
Must have completed a state-approved driver education course.
Nighttime driving restriction is in place Sunday-Thursday, 10 p.m-6 a.m., and Friday-Saturday, 11 p.m.-6 a.m.
Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months prior to turning age 18 before moving to the Full Licensing Phase. A traffic conviction during the initial licensing phase may extend restrictions beyond age 18.
Cell phone use while driving is prohibited except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency.
Source: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/