Learning to drive is an exciting adventure but states have laws in place to make sure it is also a safe experience. For that reason many states have a graduated licensing system in place. You can read the basics about the GDL process in our articles Graduated Licensing Systems Basics and the Key Elements of a GDL System.

The age at which you may start to legally drive a car will vary from state to state. The average age at which US states allow for a teenager to drive is typically fifteen or sixteen. The youngest age in the US at which you can drive appears to be 14 years old in South Dakota who can apply for an instructional permit.

In Florida you can a learner permit at 15, in Texas at 15 you can get a driver's permit and in California you can get a provisional permit at 15 1/2. You must be 16 or over to drive in New York State. Other states such as Kentucky, Missouri and New Hampshire also require you to be at least 16 years old.

To obtain a Massachusetts Junior Operator's license you must be 16 1/2. In New Jersey you must be 17 unless at 16 you enroll in a behind the wheel driving course in order to obtain a special student learner permit.

So to find out at what age your state allows you to first get behind of the wheel of a car you will need to contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Each state typically has a DMV website that gives this information and may also allow you to look at the driver's manual which will not only give you the minimum age requirement for the state but the basics of how to obtain a driver's license.

Some states allow a parent to teach you while others require you to attend a driver's education course. States though do not allow you to drive if you are underage and without a permit or license. Though state laws differ most would cite you for driving without a license and this would be placed on your driving record. Even without a license a state can start a driving record for you, usually using your social security number.

Even if you are a teenager with a learner’s permit you can get cited for driving without a license if you operate a vehicle against your restrictions. For example Delaware law states that persons who violate the Level One Learner's Permit restrictions are considered as driving without a license which will result in a 2-month suspension for the first offense and a 4-month suspension for subsequent offenses.

If as a minor you are caught driving without a license the person who let you drive their vehicle may also get in trouble depending upon state laws. In many states it is unlawful for any person to cause or knowingly permit any minor under the age of 18 years to drive a motor vehicle, unless the minor has first obtained a license.

So you and your parents should contact your local DMV to find out at what age you can start your driver's training and what will be required of you. The DMV site might advise you to the penalties you and a parent might be handed if you drive before obtaining the proper documents from the DMV, such as not being able to apply for a license for a period of time.

Once you are ready to drive legally in your state your parents should notify their insurance company to place you on their insurance policy so that you will be properly covered while operating their vehicles.