It's not "speculation", rather, it's a reasoned and logical interpretation of the original post.

Residential custodial parent.

I think that the OP should take some time to read up on it, starting with web search that you suggested. When he's done that, he'll see that his child may be more of a "regular person" by NOT having...

She didn't feel comfortable with the risks of driving and she had no need for one, as several of her friends had theirs. Additionally, she worked at a major theme park in the area and bus service...

Kids are human beings who have their own reasons, and those reasons are valid whatever the motivation is. My (now 33 year old) daughter had absolutely no desire to get her license at 16, even as she...

That's a fair enough point. Additionally, from a practical standpoint, how is the DMV going to know the difference in the first place? Parent signs as parent, the deed is done.

The law (https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.20.055) states that a learner's permit ("driver's instruction permit") requires the submission of a "proper application". That application...

Washington State requires that the custodial parent provide authorization. If the other parent is the custodial parent, then the other parent can indeed prevent the child from obtaining a license. ...