Final answer:
The minimum age to get a Class C driver's license without a driver's education or as a hardship case is generally 18 years old. This regulation, like the minimum drinking age, is set by each state for public safety reasons and is legally permissible under the equal protection clause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum age at which you can get a Class C driver's license without a driver's education or being a hardship case varies by state, but in most states, the minimum age is typically 18 years old. This is a part of the government's legal authority to set age restrictions on certain activities for public safety and welfare reasons, such as the minimum drinking age set by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. The act of setting a minimum age for obtaining a driver's license is not considered discrimination under the equal protection clause because it is deemed a reasonable regulation to ensure driver competency and safety on the roads.