By Lylyan Yenson & Justin Hsieh, Staff Writers
One of the most iconic things associated with the high school experience is being able to drive. The act of getting a driver’s license, a time-cherished American rite of passage, has long been seen as one of the greatest opportunities for sixteen-year-olds across the country. In reality, however, many students at Fountain Valley High School are ambivalent about getting their license as soon as they turn sixteen.
“I am 17. I have not gotten my license yet, mostly because of my parents’ trust and they don’t think I’m ready yet. Also, I’ve always kind of delayed it and not really considered taking it or getting it until now. But I do want to get one, because it’s easier for my parents if I can transport myself rather than them getting me because I have a younger brother so there’s always schedule conflicts,” said senior Ajdin Kucevic. Photo by Kotaro Ito. 
“I am 16, 17 in November. I got my license when I was 16 years and one day old. I got my license early so that I wouldn’t have to wake my parents up early to go to school, and so I could drive my family. I would tell [other] students to take into account the financial burden, but otherwise I would definitely recommend getting your license as soon as possible, because it is so valuable,” said junior Logan Blake. Photo by Kotaro Ito. 
“I am 15 and a half. I am not allowed to [start getting my license]. I would like to, but my parents won’t let me so I’m going to get it when I’m 18. If I could, I would choose to get my license now, because I would have more freedom to go anywhere I want, and not have to ask my parents to go anywhere because I feel really bad when I do,” said sophomore Christy Chau. Photo by Kotaro Ito. 
“I am 15. I have thought about [getting my license], and I plan to. I’m going to get my permit and eventually take the test when I’m old enough. I want to get a license because in my current state it’s really practical to drive because I can move around and be more flexible and get things done more efficiently and easily,” said sophomore Samson Le. Photo by Kotaro Ito. 
“I am 16. I have not yet gotten my driver’s license. I plan to get it in sometime in March. I want to get a license so I have the freedom to drive and go places, have my parents’ permission to go outside and not be with them all the time, and hang out with friends,” said sophomore Michael Pohl. Photo by Kotaro Ito. 
“I am 16. I have not yet gotten my driver’s license. I plan to get it in sometime in March. I want to get a license so I have the freedom to drive and go places, have my parents’ permission to go outside and not be with them all the time, and hang out with friends,” said sophomore Michael Pohl. Photo by Kotaro Ito.
