Final answer:
To take the driver's test under 18, individuals must not have committed certain infractions or violations and have met other requirements like driver's education. Legal discrimination allows for these types of age-based restrictions as they serve legitimate government interests, such as safety and maintaining standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of legal discrimination refers to laws and policies that treat groups of people differently based on definable characteristics. Underage individuals, for example, are treated differently under the law when it comes to obtaining certain privileges, such as the consumption of alcohol, the purchase of cigarettes, or obtaining a driver's license. To take a driver's test and obtain a real license under the age of 18, individuals must typically meet certain requirements such as having a provisional permit for a set period, completing driver's education, and not committing particular violations or infractions.
In the context of the government and the equal protection clause, legal discrimination is permissible when it meets the criteria of serving a legitimate government interest. For instance, age requirements for driving are designed to ensure that young drivers have the necessary maturity and experience to operate a vehicle safely. Similarly, academic requirements for university admission are in place to maintain educational standards. These measures are designed to create order, promote safety, and foster merit-based access to opportunities.