There is no shortage of differences between Gen Z and previous generations, and as time passes, many traditional rites of passage have evolved. One milestone that might seem constant is learning to drive in high school years and earning a driver’s license. For decades, this marked a key step toward independence. However, that trend has shifted in recent years. Beginning in the early 2000s, the number of teenagers obtaining their licenses began to decline and has continued to drop steadily. Gen Z, in particular, is the least likely to get licensed, and driving among high school seniors has become noticeably less common during my time in school. This raises an important question: why is such a long-standing milestone losing its significance for today’s teens?
Roughly 80% of 18-year-olds were licensed in the 1980s, and about 75%–80% were licensed in the early 2000s, which marked the beginning of a gradual decline. As we jump forward to today, just over half of 18-year-olds are licensed drivers. You could argue that some students are still driving without a license, but even then, estimates suggest that only about 10%–20% of teens drive unlicensed.
If we look at when these numbers began to decline, it closely aligns with the years that technology rapidly increased in both quantity and quality. This is not surprising, as it is well known that social media has had a profound impact on social interactions and relationships. According to the Pew Research Center and other sources, over half of teens make friends online and communicate with friends through iMessage and various social media platforms. It is also reported that teens ages 15 to 17 spend more time interacting with friends online than they do meeting and socializing in person. Compared to past generations, Gen Z goes out far less, and this shift in behavior may be a major contributor to the decline in teens obtaining their licenses. If socializing is now accessible in the palm of your hand, and it’s no longer necessary to drive to meet up with friends, then the motivation to get a license naturally decreases.
Another possible reason for the decline is that teens today are participating less in traditional “adult activities.” Research shows that teens are less involved in partying, drinking, dating, working jobs, and engaging in other behaviors associated with growing up. While less drinking and risky behavior is not necessarily negative—especially from a parent’s perspective. Teens are taking on responsibility and socializing via their phones, and this contributes to a decreased urgency to get a driver’s license. Many studies suggest that Gen Z is less inclined to rush into adulthood, with milestones like getting a first car or first job while happening later in life for many young adults.
On another argument, mental health is also said to be a factor in the downfall of licensed teens. According to resources like the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Students these days teens’ mental health is plummeting and teens struggle with mental issues such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders. Reportedly students with mental disorders are much less likely to pursue a license.
Additionally, the removal of drivers education in public schools is such a big contributing factor. Driver’s education was introduced to public schools in the 1930s and was staple throughout high school. Traffic laws, signals, signs, driving responsibilities and dangers, defensive driving techniques and vehicle operations were all topics covered in the classroom during these classes. But in the 1990s, when public schools budgets shrank noticeably, STEM and college preparatory courses became prioritized over drivers ed and private options became more popular than the school course. It also happens to be that another contributing factor was the fact that there was a reduced demand. Fewer teens were less in a rush to get their license and less urgency in school programs proving the point.
Last but not least, the cost of driving itself is a major factor. The price of cars, gas, insurance, and driver’s education is very expensive overall. As mentioned earlier, students are working less, so many don’t have the money to afford these costs. With rising gas prices and inflation in general, many teens report that affordability is a major setback. Because of this, getting a license can feel out of reach, making young adults less likely to pursue it at a younger age.
The list of contributing factors to the decline in licensed high school students goes on. Whether it’s changing social norms, a lack of motivation, mental health, the education system, or economic challenges, there is no question that this rite of passage has shifted over time. What was once seen as a necessary step toward independence is no longer a priority for many teens today. As society continues to evolve, so do the milestones that define growing up, and getting a driver’s license is no exception.