PHOENIX — So when it comes to being behind the wheel of a car, how young is too young?

Rep. Nick Kupper says he believes it shouldn’t be necessary for teens to have to wait until 15 1/2 to get a learner’s permit. So the Surprise Republican has introduced legislation to allow teens to start driving — with adult supervision — six months earlier than that.

But there’s a tradeoff.

His House Bill 2003 would require that teens operate with that adult supervision for at least nine months before they can get apply for a driver’s license. That’s three months longer than what is allowed now.

And he believes all of that will lead to fewer teens winding up in crashes.

It starts, Kupper told Capitol Media Services, that 34 states already allow a learner’s permit to be issued earlier than Arizona.

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