- Gen Z don’t seem too eager to get their driver’s license.
- A variety of factors are likely at play including costs and technology.
Driving used to be a rite of passage that opened up the world and set you free. However, some members of Gen Z haven’t been eager to get their license.
A new analysis seems to back this up as a mere 3.6% of drivers in the United States were found to be 19 years old or less. That makes them the smallest age demographic next to the number of drivers who were over 80.
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The study, conducted by MarketWatch Guides, also found the percentage of drivers who are 19 and under has dropped in over 40 states between 2012 and 2022. New York saw the biggest drop as the proportion of all drivers aged 19 and under fell by 49%.
Many Americans used to get their driver’s license at 16, but the number of 16 year olds with a “full driving license” fell 8.7% between 2012 and 2022. The “full” part suggests graduated driving licenses might be having an impact as some states don’t even allow drivers that young to get a full one. However, the number of 18 year olds with licenses climbed by 0.6%, although the study didn’t specify if that was a full license or just any license.
While this particular study leaves a lot to be desired, data from the Federal Highway Administration has previously shown a significant drop in the number of young drivers. In 1983, 80% of 18 year olds had a driver’s license but that number dropped to 60% in 2021. Government data also showed the number of 16 year olds with licenses fell from 46% to 25% in that same time period.
There’s been a lot of debate over what is causing this shift, but there are some undeniable developments that could be having an impact. Technology has changed significantly in the past few decades as we now live in a connected society ruled by smartphones.
Besides being able to connect with friends and family without having to travel anywhere, services like Lyft and Uber have opened up new doors. Cars and insurance have also become significantly more expensive, especially in the past few years, so that is likely playing a role as well.
