No variance, but my response will invalidate your question. Last I checked, you could get your learner's permit at 15-1/2. That's like your L's. Back in the day, you needed to have it for at least 30 days before you could take your license test. If you passed the written test, they took you out in mum or dad's car for the practical test. You still need to be 16 to get your license, but now most states require the same 50 hours as in Australia. The difference is, most kids will do that 50 hours before their 16th birthday. The BAC question is moot, as the drinking age in all 50 states is 21. Zero tolerance if you're caught with any alcohol in your system while driving, prior to your 21st. After that, it's similar to here, with .08% being the limit in most states.