There's also been a steady increase in the difficulty of obtaining a license over the years. My grandfather started driving at 14; at the time you didn't even need a license to drive. My parents were required to pass a written test, wait two weeks, and then pass a road test. I had to pass a written test, wait 6 months, and then pass a road test. Minors in my state now have to pass a written test, wait 6 months, then pass a road test to get a time-of-day- and passenger-restricted license, and then wait another 6 months for an unrestricted license.