Getting a Driver’s License Around the World: Age, Rules, and Challenges

Explore how driving license rules differ worldwide: where it's easiest or hardest to get one, minimum age, and what makes the process unique in each country.

Earning a driver’s license is often seen as a rite of passage, a milestone marking independence and maturity. But the road to obtaining that little plastic card looks very different depending on where in the world you are. From slipping through icy driving courses in Finland to hopping behind the wheel at 14 in parts of Canada — the contrast in requirements and philosophies is striking. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting facts and international quirks of driver licensing.

The Youngest Behind the Wheel

Minimum driving age is perhaps the most visible reflection of a country’s approach to road safety and autonomy. In Canada’s Alberta province, teens can legally start driving at 14. Similarly, several U.S. states — like Iowa — offer restricted licenses at the same age. In Mexico, certain states allow 15-year-olds to drive.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Vanuatu, where the legal driving age is 23 — the highest globally. Meanwhile, France recently lowered its minimum driving age to 17 in 2024, and Germany runs an "accompanied driving" program allowing 17-year-olds to drive under adult supervision.

Where It’s Easiest to Get a License

In some countries, the path to becoming a licensed driver is surprisingly straightforward. In parts of Mexico, a theoretical test may be all that’s required — no road test necessary. Foreigners in Qatar and the Philippines can often exchange their licenses for local ones with minimal fuss.

But this ease comes with questions. Are drivers adequately prepared if they’ve never had to pass a practical test? While some governments argue that cultural norms and infrastructure account for such relaxed rules, there’s no consensus on what defines "sufficient" training.

The Hardest Roads to Licensing

If you're planning to drive in Finland, expect an intense process. Aspiring drivers there face comprehensive training, including driving in challenging weather conditions. Even after passing, they’re placed on a two-year probation.

Japan is similarly strict — with some of the highest driving school fees and rigorous exams. Croatia rounds out the list of challenging countries, requiring at least 85 hours of training and charging above-average fees for lessons and testing.

Culture, Reform and the License as Symbol

Driver's licenses aren’t just tools for road use — they’re also mirrors of social values and policy shifts. Saudi Arabia, for instance, made global headlines in 2018 when it granted women the right to drive. The reform was emblematic of a broader modernization push in the kingdom.

Such changes highlight how driver licensing isn’t governed solely by traffic concerns. Political reforms, economic strategies, and shifting cultural norms all shape how — and when — people earn their place behind the wheel. Watching how these forces evolve in the years to come will say as much about society as it does about road safety.