Every state has their own rules. The ones I am aware of, generally you can get a full license at 16, but have to have had some experience with a 'permit' for some period of time before (which is first available sometime between 14 and 16). The permit thing is actually a driver's license, mind you, but it has a restriction on it that says that whoever it is can't drive without a front-seat passenger of at least age X with Y years of driving experience (doesn't necessarily have to be a parent). And... yeah, after they get their permit, they can just drive, as long as they have the supervision. I think after 18 in most places you can just go get a license, no permit, no time, whatever. Also, you can get things younger in 'hardship' cases where people need a license to get an income to support their family. Don't know what's involved with that. Some places I think you have to take a class, but in some places you can be parent-taught, which just means your parents sign a piece of paper saying that they've taught you - it's not that uncommon that they really don't.......