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A step too far in my opinion. I could understand not lifting learner restriction until 18, but at that point you're an adult and should be treated like such.

The only one I think should be in effect is the lower alcohol limit and it shouldnt be age restricted

Nothing wrong with young people driving imo, they need to get to work amongst other things afterall, especially with the capitalist society we live in. Afaik you can drive at 15 in some parts of Oz / NZ.

A few useful things to pint out though from the antipodes:

0.0 level of alcohol for probationary and under 21s
No passengers for under 21s between 23:00-05:00 unless adult family members.
Less points to lose or accumulate for younger drivers.

Having said that there are a few oddities down this way. Kiwi drivers are absolutely shocking, terrible drivers. Insurance is also optional...

The alcohol limit should be zero and applicable to all. Then lest see how that works out before tinkering with the age.

TBH, I can't imagine changing it by a year or two is going to make that much difference. The two main issues with young male drivers are inexperience and testosterone. Neither of those is significantly different at 19 than 17.

When I took my driving license at 18, I was on a probationary for 3 years which means reduced maximum speed (50 kph in towns, 80 kph on main roads, 110 kph on motorways)
and a 6points limit instead of 12.

Considering I had no interest in driving like a knob, it never really bothered me.

The problem is how do you get around when 17 (Collage / Job etc)

I lived in Sussex but just on the Kent / Sussex boarder so had to go to a Sussex collage when 17 for my A Levels. The only way to get there was via my own transport (its was 15 miles each way)

I had a small motorcycle on L plates but took my tests (both car and motorcycle). I also worked evenings and weekends

With these proposals I would have had difficulty getting to collage (no public transport) so have had to keep the L plates on the motorcycle – not much fun on that in the middle of winter - and not been able to work in the evenings so meaning I would not be able to afford to run the bike to get to collage

I would at the time have had no issues with zero alcohol or less points (as don’t drink and drive and only ever had 1 SP30 in the 30 odd years of driving)

So you could be married and have kids but wouldn't be able to take them anywhere or do anything remotely useful!

The only things I'd agree to were those 18 or under having a curfew on their driving times, and zero tolerance on alcohol or drugs - instant ban for life if you even so much as look at a pint.

So the 18 yr old cant work at a job say in a factory with rolling shifts / Bar work - thats really going to help him find a job

I do think that many kids work in pubs and as long as they do not drink and drive that should be down to them. The only restriction is drink driving but that should apply to everyone.

I agree with that.

Although here in Germany the licence age has been reduced to 17, but once you have passed your test (mandatory number of theory lessons and mandatory number of practice hours with a qualified instructor, you aren't allowed to drive a car without an instructor in the passenger's seat until you have passed your test, so now practising with mum and dad) you have to drive with a registered adult (over 25, with a full licence and ZERO points) for the first year. This has dramatically reduced the number of deaths among young drivers over the last couple of years.

I did something similar in 2002.
Took the theory at 16, then the following 2 years I drove with my father then took the final test at 18. It means much higher passing rate and also by the time you drive alone, you already have covered a few hundred/thousand kilometres

When I was at college, it was in the next town, about 10 miles away from home. I'd either ride my bike, take the bus or walk to the station and take the train. I took my test with 19, once I had finished college, because I couldn't afford the lessons, let alone a car from a weekend job - that just about paid for my books, clothes and food/drink at college.

I finally started taking lessons once I had my first temp job, which was 20 miles away by road. I'd either take the train or I'd ride the bike to the ferry and get the ferry to work. I passed my test and bought my first car about a month after I started full time employment.

Actually, a lot of teens work in bars and restaurants. Myself and my two best friends worked in different ones when I was at sixth form. I rode a bike, one mate walked and the other drove.

I did bar work when I was a teenager so that was why I think that as long as they are not drinking and driving then they should be allowed to work in bars or restaurants.