With the price of gas ... what's the difference if the kid is driving or not? He needs an after-school job just to be able to afford the gas to just start the car, let alone drive it.
MO? Good rules.
Most kids are "cranked out" of Drivers' Ed. and don't have even a clue as what they're doing out there.
Slow down the "life" just a little bit and let them get some "road" under their butts before letting them go nuts.
There might be a lot less funerals this summer and more folks at the 5th/10th reunions.