Every culture has a recognized point when a child becomes an adult, when rules must be followed and tests passed. 

In China, although teenagers can get their ID cards at 16, many only see themselves as an adult when they are 18. In the US, where everyone drives, the main step to the freedom of adult life is learning to drive. At 16, American teens take their driving test. When they have their license, they drive into the grown-up world. 

"Nobody wants to ride the cheese bus to school," said Eleanor Fulham, 17. She brought the pressure back to memory, especially from kids from wealthier families. "It's like you're not cool if you don't have a car," she said. 

According to recent research, 41% of 16 to 19-year-olds in the US own cars, up from 23% in 1985. Although, most of these cars are bought by parents, some teens get part-time jobs to help pay. 

Not all families can afford cars for their children. In cities with subways and limited parking, some teenagers don't want them. But in rich suburban areas without subways, and where bicycles are more for fun than transportation, it is strange for a teenager not to have a car. 

But police say 16-year-olds have almost three times more accidents than 18 and 19-year-olds. This has made many parents pause before letting their kids drive. 

Julie Sussman, of Virginia, decided that her son Chad, 15, will wait until he is 17 to apply for his learner's permit. 

Chad said he has accepted his parents' decision, although it has caused some teasing from his friends. "They say that I am unlucky," he said, "But I'd rather be alive than driving, and I don't really trust my friends on the road, either." 

In China, as more families get cars, more 18-year-olds learn to drive. Will this become a big step to becoming an adult?
How old do you have to be to get an ID in China?
When do they tend to view themselves as an adult?
Is getting an ID card the main rite of passage into adulthood in the US?
When do kids take the driving test in the US?
How many people ages 16 through 19 have a car in America?
What was the amount in 1985?
Does the adolescent usually purchase the car?
In what kind of towns do some adolescents not desire cars?
How many accidents to 16 year olds have compared to older teens?
Where is Julie Sussman from?
What is her rule for her child?
16
In China, although teenagers can get their ID cards at 16
when they are 18
many only see themselves as an adult when they are 18
yes
 they drive into the grown-up world. 
At 16
At 16, American teens take their driving test.
41%
41% of 16 to 19-year-olds in the US own cars
23%
23% in 1985
no
 most of these cars are bought by parents
In cities with subways and limited parking
In cities with subways and limited parking, some teenagers don't want them
Three times as many
16-year-olds have almost three times more accidents than 18 and 19-year-olds
stirginia
ulie Sussman, of Virginia
her son will wait until he is 17 to apply for his learner's permit
son Chad, 15, will wait until he is 17 to apply for his learner's permit