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I was in a car accident 9 years ago. My spine was fused twice and I know I am permanently disabled. I have 2 kids, one is 12 years old and another is 14.

Can the oldest child get an early driver's license? If so, what age can he do so?

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Possibly, depends on the state. Texas law allows early drivers licenses under this circumstance, though there is an age requirement (15 years). California allows such a license for 14 years olds. OTOH, Washington state does not have such hardship exceptions to the general age rule. Also, in various states (e.g. Alaska), a person 14 years old can obtain a learner's permit, which would allow them to do the driving is there is a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience in the passenger's seat.

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  • Would it be possible that someone gets a license that only allows them to drive when accompanied by an adult with a driving license? (Also assuming that OP who was in a car accident may have a driving license. And assuming your driving license is valid for a long time, or can be extended by someone who is not physically capable of driving. )
    – gnasher729
    Oct 31, 2022 at 11:42
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    That's the learner's permit option.
    – user6726
    Oct 31, 2022 at 14:58
  • @user6726 that was my initial reaction, but IIRC there's potentially an important difference. Most states don't allow people with learners permits to drive beyond their borders. If living in a small state, or close to a state line, this could be a significant problem. A junior license of the type gnasher789 was speculating about might not have that limitation. Oct 31, 2022 at 19:21
  • @DanIsFiddlingByFirelight states don't have any say over whether people can drive in other states. The reason someone with a learner's permit can'r drive in another state is that the other state doesn't allow it. But many states do allow it.
    – phoog
    Mar 7 at 7:46

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