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 grownup world.
"Nobody wants to ride the cheese bus to school," said Eleanor Fulham, 17. She brought the
pressure back to memory, especially for 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 19yearolds in the US own cars, up from 23% in 1985.
Although, most of these cars are bought by parents, some teens get parttime 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 16yearolds have almost three times more accidents than 18 to 19yearolds. 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 18yearolds learn to drive. Will this become a big step to
becoming an adult?
1. Which may serve as the best title of the article?
A. Cars Helping You to GrowUp
B. Driving into the GrownUp World
C. Teenagers' Driving in America
D. Recognized Point of Becoming an Adult
2. 16yearold drivers have more accidents possibly because________.
A. they want to show themselves off
B. they are never experienced drivers
C. older people always drive better
D. they never drive carefully on the road
3. Which may NOT be taken into consideration when deciding whether to buy a car?
A. How well off the family is.
B. Whether the kid is old enough.
C. What traffic condition there is around.
D. Whether it's practically needed.
