Answer:
This answer depends upon the country the driver is in.
In the United States, Financial Responsibility laws exist in all, or in virtually all States. For the most part, these require a form of "no fault coverage", which is designed to pay a portion of the medical bills and lost wages of those who were in the car at the time of the collision. That said, the "no fault" law of the state in question likely creates categories of covered persons who are, or are not, entitled to coverage under the policy. When one is entitled to coverage of this type, it is payable without regard to fault for the collision (hence, the name).
Financial Responsibility laws may also require the maintenance of liability coverage, although sometimes, only property damage liability (not bodily injury). This type of coverage pays the third party who may have sustained loss or damage as a result of the collision if the insured was negligent.
In cases where Financial Responsibility laws exist, it will be necessary for the driver's license applicant to present proof that he/she has a policy of his/her own, or is otherwise covered under a policy issued to another person (such as a parent).