Teens don’t want to drive anymore

Teens don’t want to drive anymore

The Future. Getting a driver’s license on their 16th birthday no longer appeals to the younger generation. Teens are putting off the driving test or eschewing it altogether, as they find today’s world intimidating to navigate. While fewer drivers might lead to less pollution and fewer accidents, less interest could also put a dent in the car industry — and hit the brakes on a uniquely American rite of passage.

No honking, please
Today’s roads look much different than the previous generation’s, with new complexities that make kids more anxious about getting in the driver’s seat.

• Cost. Mandatory driver’s ed classes are hundreds of dollars, and car insurance is expensive. Anyone can order a cheap ride (Uber or Lyft) with the tap of a finger.

• Lack of privacy. Parents can track their child’s every move through apps like Life360, which lets them see how fast their kid is driving, if they break too quickly, if their gas is low, or if they pick up their phone while the car is in motion.

• Less urgency. Teens don’t have to meet up with their friends in person when they can hang out with them anytime online.

• Road rage. With more reports of aggressive driving, getting behind the wheel can be daunting for kids struggling with anxiety or depression.

Teenage dream… or nightmare?
60% of American 18-year-olds had a driver’s license in 2021, compared with 80% in 1983. The number of 16-year-olds with licenses dropped from 46% to 25% within the same time span, per the Federal Highway Administration.

For today’s youth, the fear of driving appears to exceed their natural desire for freedom.