Well, she’s not wrong.

Then ticket her for having an unlicensed driver behind the wheel as well

So, the drivers back passenger qualifies as a possible unlicensed behind the wheel, so you got that logic going for you. That is why the laws states CONTROL, not BEHIND.

No, they are in the back seat, not in the drivers seat…so, your attempt at logic is flawed. This person is claiming there are two people in the car. Both in the drivers seat. As to which is in control, is up for interpretation, but you can’t deny they are both behind the wheel. Do you let your kid ride in your lap while you drive?

"Behind the wheel"

No, my kid never sat on my lap to drive, we have a tractor for that.