Final answer:
The holder of a permit under 21 must adhere to specific requirements, which include possession of a valid ID and supervision by a licensed adult, similarly to other age-related legal discriminations meant to serve public welfare, such as the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The holder of a permit who is under the age of 21 is subject to certain requirements which can vary by state. Typically, these can include having a valid identification card, being accompanied by a parent or guardian, demonstrating proof of completion of a driver's education course, and being under the supervision of a licensed adult while in the vehicle. Restrictions on younger drivers are instances of legal discrimination, which can be deemed permissible when it serves a legitimate purpose, such as promoting safety on the roads. This concept is similar to other regulations that employ age restrictions, like the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which required states to raise their drinking age to 21 or risk losing federal highway funds.
Requirements like these are examples of how states exercise their power to ensure public safety and welfare. They may seem discriminatory, but as long as they serve a significant and rational objective, such regulations are typically upheld under the law. The equal protection clause does not necessarily guarantee absolute equality in treatment but rather forbids unreasonable distinctions without a legitimate government interest.