Final answer:
Under the graduated licensing system, individuals under 18 must hold an instruction permit for a set period, typically around 6 to 12 months, before taking a driving test. This requirement aims to provide new drivers with adequate supervised experience. Legal discrimination, such as age-based restrictions, is permissible when justified by a legitimate state interest like safety or health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the graduated licensing system for new drivers. Under this system, individuals 18 years old and younger are commonly required to hold an instruction permit for a certain period before they can take a driving test to obtain a provisional license. While the specific duration required to hold an instruction permit varies by state, it is typically around 6 to 12 months. This waiting period ensures that young drivers gain sufficient supervised driving experience before they are tested for a provisional license. The requirement to hold an instruction permit is part of a broader effort to ensure road safety and to manage the risks associated with inexperienced drivers.As for the broader question of legal discrimination, governments may set regulations that distinguish between different groups, such as age-based restrictions for driving, smoking, and drinking. These laws are justified if they serve a legitimate state interest, like public safety or health, and are designed to be reasonable and not arbitrary. Equal protection under the law does not mean the absolute absence of distinctions among individuals; it ensures that similar individuals are treated similarly and that the law does not disproportionately impact a particular group without proper justification.