Raising requirements in the US is prohibitive due to the lack of options individuals have when they cannot drive. A 16 year old often needs, or wants to work for an income. Owning a car is often a job requirement due to the distances involved in american cities. Getting a job within walking distance is often a non-option due to availability of employers, and biking is of limited safety profile depending on the area. If the only way to get to your job is through a state highway - driving may be the only safe method.
> Raising requirements in the US is prohibitive due to the lack of options individuals have when they cannot drive
We'll suddenly have a lot more voters clamoring for alternative transportation systems if we actually bother taking away people's driving privileges when they shouldn't be on the road
