Kerre Woodham: Driving age a teen death trap

It seems absurd 15-year-olds in this country can get a driver's licence.

And no, I'm not being a hypocrite. I didn't get my licence at 15 and neither did my daughter.

Study after study shows at 15, the teenage brain simply isn't equipped to assess and respond to risk.

Most countries recognise the dangers involved in allowing a young person to get behind the wheel of a 1000kg death trap.

I accept some young ones are mature beyond their years and probably more sensible than some of the middle-aged idiots on the road.

Perhaps 15-year-old rural kids, in unique circumstances, could get a form of restricted licence if they can convince their local tester they're responsible enough.

However, laws aren't made on a bespoke basis. We don't all have the laws of the land individually tailored to suit our talents and failings. For the most part, we have to live with a one-size-fits-all legal system and that's the way it is.

And when you know 60 per cent more young drivers are killed in this country compared to Australia, you know something is wrong.

The driving age should be raised and training should be more comprehensible and professional to give our kids every chance of making it through their teens.