My 18 year old got his license before he was 17, but not on his 16th birthday like most of us did.
I have 16 year old twins. Neither had an interest until one started taking the bus home from summer school. The 20 minute walk from the bus stop to the house in Las Vegas summer gave him the motivation he needed.

They are on line regularly with friends and whether they are on line with friends or in person seems to be the same to them. I think that's the lack of motivation to drive. Take away the internet (and enabling parents) and I bet we would see a lot more scary beginner driver's on the road.