Peconic

I haven't argued at all for pushing the age back to 18. But since you mentioned it: In Germany, the age is 18. Now they are thinking about lowering the age to 17 as a measure to adress the high fatalities. Go figure.

Another tidbit: One of the few things that had a measurable effect on kids with new licenbses are driving couses. Not the defensive driving course. Aggressive driving courses. Get a feel for the capabilities and limits of the car. Sit in it when it spins out. With ABS, don't pump those brakes, slam them. Etc. etc. Those courses aren't cheap. But they do work.

HyperBaja

I didnt take courses. I went to a vacant parking lot after it just stared raining one day. Went through a tank, learned how to recover from brakes locking up, spinning out, being sideways, etc. I dont think it was the smartest/legal thing to do, but I have had to use the things I picked up that day a few times on real roads.

rainmn

Maybe not exactly legal, but a smart move anyway, as long as it's done in an open area. I'd much rather see kids go and purposely put their car into a slide in a controlled environment, rather than experience it for the first time in traffic.
When I was 17, I went out to parking lots every time it snowed (16 years later, I still do..it's fun.) There is no doubt in my mind that it helps...a lot more than the driver's license test does.