You should let your child get a license as soon as the law allows; driving is a crucial life skill and it’s best learned young. I wish I had learned at 16 (I didn’t learn b/c I was living in NYC and didn’t feel like it was necessary), I’m now 22 with a baby and I’m struggling to get it done now. I’m no longer in NYC, so I really need a car to get around- I can’t leave the neighborhood unless my husband is around or a nice neighbor is going where I am.
Now, just because your teenager HAS a license, doesn’t mean you have to get them a car or give them your keys whenever they ask. While still under your roof, you should let them practice by allowing them to drive you places, but not let them out for a spin or with friends. But that’s an entirely separate issue and should have no bearing on whether or not they learn how to drive. Like I said, it’s a really important skill and it’s unfair and unwise to deprive them of that.