#23 Teens on the Scene: Teens and the Coveted Driver's License – Or Is It? Part I

Surprising Statistic

This Teens on the Scene post does not spotlight one teen, but rather focuses in on a new trend among teens. It concerns a statistic I read recently that surprised me -- about teens and driving.

It appears the majority of teenagers in the U.S. are delaying getting a driver’s license. A recent study found a significant drop in the number of young people licensed to drive by the time they are 18. Twenty years ago, two-thirds of teens had their license before age 18. More recently that number has dropped to just over half.

What a change from the day when for nearly every teen, getting that coveted learner’s permit, or the actual license, was like a teen rite-of-passage. So what’s happening? Those who track such statistics are noticing a distinct shift in the sense of urgency.

Why the Shift?

So why the shift? Below are a few reasons given in the study:

• 44 percent – Did not have a car
• 39 percent – Could get around without driving
• 36 percent – Gas was too expensive
• 36 percent – Driving was too expensive
• 35 percent – "Just didn't get around to it"

Lack of Driver's Education

This one isn’t listed in this particular study, but fewer and fewer high schools are offering classes for driver’s education. Some families are unable to pay for driver’s schools outside the high school curriculum. Without that education, the student is unable to meet the graduated driver’s license (GDL) laws that apply in nearly every state.

Delay Memo

In spite of all these studies and statistics, I don’t think the “delay” memo has reached the youth in the Midwestern US where I live. Most students are still over-the-top excited to have that coveted “freedom card” known as a driver’s license.

Here in this vicinity where clusters of small towns prevail, public transportation is practically unheard of. Plus, parents are oftentimes eager for that teen to be able to drive to cut down on the constant, unending parent/chauffeur duties.

The Cause for Concern

Those who delay are waiting until they are 18, at which time most of the GDL stipulations no longer apply. They can simply take the test and obtain a license. This, obviously, is where the concern comes in, because it means new drivers on the road, all of whom are untrained. Untrained young drivers (statistics show) are among the most dangerous drivers. Not good.

Stay Tuned for Part II of Teens and the Coveted Driver's License – Or Is It? Teen drivers play integral roles in several of the novels that I've authored. We'll take a look at them in Part II.

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