In NZ you get your learners licence at 15, restricted after sitting your practical, which you have for around 18mths, but can be cut down to 15 if you do defensive driving course, with this licence you cannot take passengers, unless they have a full licence, and drive out of certain hours(you can remain on this licence if you wish, but of course have to abide by the restrictions, however having said that, nearly all the youngsters ignore them, and end up eventually getting caught and have large fines usually 450 dollars per offence), then you sit your exit test, to get your full licence.