ummmm I think in canada you can get it at 14. A permit just lets you drive if someone over 21 is in the passenger seat.
And If you never get one, you can just get a license at 18. You don't really need one when you're older, and you can have it suspended in some cases.
lol if you get a ticket while you have a permit.. you have to re-apply for one after a few months and keep if for another 180 days :P