Towards the beginning of this year, Kentucky representative Steven Rudy, the Majority Floor Leader, had encouraged House Bill 15. House Bill 15 is a piece of legislation that Steven Rudy is sponsoring that will lower the drivers permit age in Kentucky from 16 to 15 years old.
This decision has been a very controversial topic in the media and conversation lately. Many people have differing opinions on whether this is a safe and responsible change to make.
In a poll on the topic of whether students agree that this law should be changed the conclusion was 58.5% agreeing and 41.5% disagreeing that the age should be lowered.
The age teenagers are able to get their permit differs from ages 15 or 16 throughout the United States. The question of why this law needed to be changed in Kentucky has been brought up in many discussions.
“Kentucky is the only state in the South that requires teens to wait until they are sixteen to obtain their drivers permits,” Rudy said.
Rudy said the bill could have tremendous implications economically.
“The bill could also have an economic impact by increasing workforce participation, a rate that is low in Kentucky, to allow teens who want to have a part-time job to drive themselves without having to rely on their parents to transport them to and from.”
Even with there being advantages to lowering the law, such as younger teenagers getting jobs at a lower age, it is a worry to many people that changing this law may cause an increase in danger in Kentucky.
“You’re getting more kids more time to experience driving at a younger age which should improve their driving down the road or later in life,” health teacher, Kyle Finfrock said.
“But I don’t know if a 16 year old like a 15 year old can handle having their phone on them while driving which could increase more traffic incidents.”
People have many mixed opinions on whether there are more benefits or negatives in lowering this age law. Whilst there are many benefits that it could bring to situations, like where younger teenagers will not have to depend on their parents, however many negatives could be caused that would make a more dangerous environment.
“I feel mixed about it. I am turning 15 in the summer and I am excited to start driving, however I don’t think I feel old enough,” Sydney Albritton (10) said.
Students believe that practice and confidence is key to be successful in driving. Getting behind the wheel the first time can be scary and overwhelming, the more teens practice the more comfortable they will feel.
“I actually got my license at 15 since I got mine in Florida because my dad lives there. Currently I’m a better driver than all my friends who started later and I’m more confident then they are,” Maia Mcintyre (10) said.
As important as practice and responsibility is while driving, are 15 year olds fully prepared and ready to drive? There are many responsibilities drivers need to take note of while driving, including dangerous weather conditions, driving laws, and ensuring safety.
“I feel like you get a lot of privileges at the age of 15, like a job, and you’re still naive at 15,” Noah Gregory (10) said.
UPDATE: HB15 became law on March 25, 2025 with a signature from Governor Beshear.
