List of minimum driving ages


The minimum driving age is the minimum age at which a person may obtain a driver's licence to lawfully drive a motor vehicle on public roads. That age is determined by and for each jurisdiction and is most commonly set at 18 years of age, but learner drivers may be permitted on the road at an earlier age under supervision. Before reaching the minimum age for a driver's licence or anytime afterwards, the person wanting the licence would normally be tested for driving ability and knowledge of road rules before being issued with a licence, provided he or she is above the minimum driving age. Countries with the lowest driving ages are Canada, El Salvador, Iceland, Israel, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, United States and Zimbabwe. In some jurisdictions in the United States and Canada, drivers can be as young as 14.
Most jurisdictions recognise driver's licences issued by another jurisdiction, which may result in a young person who obtains a licence in a jurisdiction with a low minimum driving age being permitted to drive in a jurisdiction which normally has a higher driving age. A notable exception to this is the United States, where many states ban drivers below their minimum driving age, even if they hold permits or licences issued by another state.
The minimum age may vary depending on vehicle type. This list refers to the minimum driving age for a light motor vehicle or motorcycle, where noted.

Africa

Americas

North America

Central America

South America

Caribbean

Asia

Middle East

South Asia

East Asia

Southeast Asia

Europe

[European driving licence] area

Rest of Europe

Oceania