Driving once symbolized freedom for young people, but many Gen Z members are less eager to get their licenses. A new analysis shows that only 3.6% of U.S. drivers are 19 or younger, making them the smallest age demographic of drivers, second only to those over 80.
The study by MarketWatch Guides found that the percentage of drivers aged 19 and under decreased in over 40 states between 2012 and 2022, with New York experiencing the largest drop of 49%. Traditionally, many Americans obtained their driver’s licenses at 16, but the number of 16-year-olds with a full driving license fell by 8.7% in the same period. This decline may be influenced by graduated driving licenses, which restrict young drivers from obtaining full licenses. Conversely, the number of 18-year-olds with licenses increased by 0.6%, although it’s unclear if these are full licenses.
Historical data from the Federal Highway Administration supports this trend. In 1983, 80% of 18-year-olds had a driver’s license, a number that fell to 60% by 2021. Similarly, the percentage of 16-year-olds with licenses dropped from 46% to 25% over the same period.
Several factors contribute to this shift. The rise of technology has created a connected society where social interactions don’t require physical travel. Services like Lyft and Uber offer alternative transportation options, reducing the necessity for a personal vehicle. Additionally, the increasing costs of cars and insurance in recent years have likely deterred young people from driving.
In summary, various economic and technological changes have influenced the declining interest in driving among Gen Z, reflecting a broader shift in how young people view mobility and independence.
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