Most high schoolers used to count the days until they could get their driver’s license in anticipation of experiencing greater independence. However, the number of students obtaining their license at 16 years old has dropped significantly.
According to The Washington Post, “60 percent of American 18-year-olds had a driver’s license in 2021, down from 80 percent in 1983, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. In that same period, the number of 16-year-olds with licenses dropped from 46 percent to 25 percent.”
Senior Kayden Roundtree has a learner’s permit that she decided to wait several months to get, but there are still many aspects of having a license that she looks forward to.
“I’m looking forward to having freedom,” said Roundtree. “I can drive whenever and wherever I want.”
Junior Haley Lyle also hasn’t gotten her permit yet.
“There is no rush,” said Lyle. “I don’t feel like I need it right now. My brother still doesn’t have his license and he’s 19.”
Reasons such as cost, environmental concerns, anxiety, and convenient alternatives are partially why there is a growing trend of teens waiting to get their licenses. Unlicensed senior Izaya Choice, however, believes that driving is eventually unavoidable.
“We live where driving is necessary to get around,” said Choice. “It is not like I can carpool whenever I need to get somewhere.”
Some students are still choosing to drive as soon as they can for reasons such as convenience, employment, and independence. Senior Leilah Robles, for instance, made the decision to get her license as soon as she was able.
“It made things for me and my family more convenient,” said Robles. “It was just one of those things I always wanted to do and needed to do in order to feel more independent.”
The decline of teen drivers could also be connected to the delay of major milestones for teens and young adults. As juveniles adapt to the changing economy and new trends, they may be hesitant to go to college, purchase their first home, get married, or have children, which are key parts of adulthood. It is difficult to tell where trends for teen driving will be in the future, but choosing a form of transportation will always be an important decision to make for both teens and adults.
