oh that sucks.
i lived in CT at 16 and they had a law where you couldnt start your behind the wheel training until your 16th birthday.
in IL, you can start behind the wheel training with a drivers permit at 15 i believe so by the day you turn 16, you can go apply for a license. like a nice 16th bday present.
i like the new laws though, that impose restrictions on young drivers (under 18) with regards to time of day and also passengers allowed in the vehicle.