The topic of legal driving age has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this topic commonly appears in Discussion or Argument type essays. Let’s examine one frequently tested question format:
Some people think that the minimum legal age for driving should be raised to 21 worldwide. Others believe it should be lowered to 16. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
- Topic: Legal driving age
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key aspects to cover:
- Arguments for raising to 21
- Arguments for lowering to 16
- Personal stance with justification
Global perspective on legal driving age debate showing diverse viewpoints
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The minimum legal driving age remains a contentious issue globally, with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate raising it to 21 for safety reasons, others support lowering it to 16 for practical benefits. I believe that maintaining the current standard of 18 in most countries represents the most balanced approach.
Those supporting an increase to 21 primarily cite safety concerns. Research consistently shows that younger drivers are disproportionately involved in accidents, often due to inexperience and tendency toward risk-taking behavior. Moreover, neuroscience indicates that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and decision-making, continues developing until the mid-20s. This biological factor suggests that postponing driving privileges could reduce accident rates.
Conversely, proponents of lowering the age to 16 emphasize practical advantages. In many regions, especially rural areas, early driving ability enables young people to access educational opportunities and part-time employment. Furthermore, starting driving education earlier could result in more experienced and confident drivers. Countries like the United States, which already permits driving at 16 in many states, demonstrate that younger drivers can be responsible with proper training and restrictions.
In my view, while both arguments have merit, maintaining the current standard age of 18 offers the optimal balance between safety and practicality. This age represents a reasonable compromise, allowing young people to gain independence while having achieved a basic level of maturity. However, I believe this should be coupled with a graduated licensing system that includes supervised driving periods and restrictions on night driving or passenger numbers.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is much debate about what should be the right age to start driving. Some people think it should be 21 years old, but others want it to be 16. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
First, making the driving age 21 has some good points. Young people often drive dangerously and have many accidents. They like to drive fast and sometimes drink alcohol. Also, they don’t have much experience on the road. If we wait until they are 21, they will be more mature and careful.
However, letting people drive at 16 also has advantages. Many teenagers need to drive to school or work, especially in places without good public transport. Also, they can help their parents by driving younger siblings or doing errands. Starting earlier means more practice and experience.
In my opinion, I think 18 is the best age to start driving. It is not too young or too old. At 18, people can understand traffic rules and be responsible. But there should be special training for new drivers and they should practice a lot before getting a full license.
Benefits of graduated licensing system for new drivers
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response (9.0): Comprehensively addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
- Coherence/Cohesion (8.5): Clear progression, effective paragraphing, sophisticated linking
- Lexical Resource (8.5): Wide vocabulary range used naturally
- Grammar (8.5): Various complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response (6.5): Addresses the task but some aspects underdeveloped
- Coherence/Cohesion (6.5): Basic organization but simple linking
- Lexical Resource (6.5): Adequate vocabulary but limited range
- Grammar (6.5): Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtɛnʃəs/ – causing disagreement or debate
- disproportionately (adv) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison
- prefrontal cortex (n) /priːˈfrʌntl ˈkɔːtɛks/ – the front part of the brain responsible for decision-making
- graduated licensing system (n) /ˈɡrædʒueɪtɪd ˈlaɪsənsɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/ – a phased approach to driving privileges
- optimal (adj) /ˈɒptɪməl/ – best or most favorable
For practice, try writing your own essay about whether driving tests should be made more difficult to reduce accident rates. Share your response in the comments for feedback!
