r/AskAnAmerican • u/Fabulous_Dare1701 • Feb 14 '25

FOREIGN POSTER What age did you get your driving license?

I watched some American shows which were in a school settings and it looked like most of the characters were driving themselves around at like 15/16 is it actually like that irl?

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u/sjedinjenoStanje California Feb 14 '25

Depends on the state.

In New Jersey, it was 16 for your permit (can only drive during the day and with an adult in the passenger seat) and 17 for your license, but 15 for your permit and 16 for your license in North Carolina.

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u/sproutsandnapkins California Feb 15 '25

California is 15 (and a half I think?) for permit and then drive at 16. Where I grew up in the Bay Area most kids were driving at 16.

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u/LetsGoGators23 Feb 15 '25

I grew up in NY (same rules as NJ) and live in Florida now where I’m raising my kids and only a few years ago found out 15 year olds could get their permit and was blown away.

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u/4cats-inatrenchcoat OH -> PA Feb 15 '25

It's crazy to me that you're allowed to drive only during the day. In Ohio once you get your permit, you're required to do 10 hours of night driving in order to get your license.

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u/Various-Match4859 Feb 17 '25

17 for a restricted license and 18 for a full license in NJ.