Teen driver's license?

July 4, 2006 7:02 AM

Easiest state for teen driver's license? I am being deployed to the middle east. My son is 16, but in my state a teen has to have a learner's permit for a year before s/he can drive by themselves. This hasn't been an issue, but now he will be the only driver in the family stateside. Which state will give a teen a license (as unrestricted as possible) on their 16th birthday? Any suggestions?
posted by tesseract420 to Law & Government (9 answers total)

Find out about the specifics of a hardship drivers license in your state. Many, if not most, states have special provisions for such a situation.
posted by SoulOnIce at 7:08 AM on July 4, 2006

In the state of Ohio they (or did, 15 years ago) allow for hardship exemptions, you may want to call you're state's BMV (DMV) and see if they allow such things.

Be safe overthere.
posted by Mick at 7:19 AM on July 4, 2006

Here's a nice state by state comparison chart. Things look pretty carefree in Wyoming and Montana. And you only have to be 14.5 years old in Montana!
posted by bim at 7:32 AM on July 4, 2006

Before you move, check with the DMV in your state. Most states will waive restrictions if the teen is the only driver in the household.
posted by jlkr at 8:04 AM on July 4, 2006

Is it too late to become a farmer? There are often various exemptions for farm kids.
posted by box at 11:24 AM on July 4, 2006

You are aware that one must prove residency in a state to get that state's driver's license, aren't you?
posted by ikkyu2 at 12:45 PM on July 4, 2006

prove is a little strong. They don't really check on those things, but you will need a local mailing address.
posted by Paris Hilton at 12:47 PM on July 4, 2006

ikkyu2: I believe there are special rules for the military and their dependents regarding residency.
posted by reverendX at 2:40 PM on July 4, 2006

FYI: the rules in Montana changed on Saturday; they are now in line with the rest of the nation (very much to the displeasure of my 14.5 year-old child!). Montana was the last state to adopt graduated licensing.
posted by davidmsc at 4:29 PM on July 4, 2006