Turning 16 is a major turning point in many teenagers’ lives. It’s when they are finally able to get their driver’s license.

Before they can get their license however, they must pass the written test to get their permit. After having their permit for at least six months, they can take the intermediate test which consists of simple driving.

The driving test, in my opinion, not challenging enough for beginning drivers. The test is too short and does not provide enough information about the driver’s skills and weaknesses. It does not contain what everyday driving entails.

Teens tend to fail the test the first time due to lack of experience. The test was particularly easy for me because I have had a lot of experience of driving in all aspects. You can not be a successful driver until you learn how to maneuver your car on the freeway and communicate with other drivers.

Driver’s ed helped me immensely with the test. In many cases, because parents don’t know how to properly teach you how to drive so it’s nice to have someone trained to help you learn. I think that everyone should be required to take lessons with a trained professional, it’s a huge help.

The driver’s test consists of light driving that takes place on neighborhood and urban roads.

The test will begin with the instructor asking you to start the car and go over vehicle controls. During the test you will be asked to make at least two right and two left turns as well as entering and leaving several intersections. Lastly, you will be asked to park along a hill and parallel park along a curb.

Driving on neighborhood and urban roads is an incredibly small portion of everyday driving.

To get to most places, you will have to drive on the interstate which will require high speeds and merging skills. You are not tested on any of these skills to get your license.

In Missouri, you are able to get your learner’s permit when you turn 15. To receive the permit, you must pass a written test as well as a road sign and vision test. When you turn 16, you are able to take the intermediate driver’s test, but only after having your permit for six months.

You are also required to do a minimum of 40 hours of driving, 10 being at night, before you can take the intermediate test. However, there is not a way to prove that said driver has done the minimum hours. Many drivers do not experience enough driving with their permit before receiving their license.

I believe that you should be able to get a driver’s permit when you turn 14. This gives teens an extra year to drive with an adult and prepare for solo driving. Having less than a year of practice is not enough to prepare teens for a life of driving.

Teenagers should take the driver’s test when they’re confident in their driving, which will take time and a lot of practice. Driving is a very serious thing and a license should not be given to someone who is not ready for all aspects of driving.