When you’re 16, you go to the DMV and get your driver’s license. At least, that’s the way it has been in America for many decades, but Gen Z may be shaking things up a bit. Gen Z may be what can be considered to be the first generation in America that is not enthusiastic about driving. It’s time to explore why that is.
The Stats Speak the Truth
I am not just making information up. The University of Houston recently did a study (in 2024) and discovered (quite shockingly) that only 65% of youth aged 16 to 20 got their driver’s license in 2017. Contrast that to 2009 when 73% of young people in the same age group got their license. Incidentally, most millennials were starting to drive in 2009.
Demographics May Hold Part of the Answer
Gen Z is much more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations. And interestingly enough, non whites and immigrants aren’t as likely to possess any form of photo identification than their white and/or native counterparts. Perhaps it’s because the former are more likely to be unable to provide proper documentation of a permanent address or afford the cost of getting a license, much less buying and owning a vehicle. They may not be able to understand the ever-complicated rules and regulations involved in getting a license either.
These groups of youngsters may not even need a personal vehicle for transportation because they are more likely to live in larger metros where some form of public transport is readily available. Researchers found a negative correlation between teens living in highly densely populated places and their likelihood of getting a license.
COVID Had Something to Do With It
That shouldn’t be surprising because Covid was what kickstarted the revolution in the ways in which we live and work. Teens may have been following the “stay home, stay safe” mandates. That would have explained why they were less likely to get their license 5 years ago. However, things have changed since then and the pandemic has largely disappeared.
Youngsters began shopping and living online, sometimes literally. They may also be relying more on ridesharing services when they do have to drive. Still, some teens prefer to get out and about on their bikes.
Gen Z is Rewriting the Rules
At least for driving. Gen Z is perhaps the first generation that may be truly digital natives in the real sense. That is to be expected because they grew up with digital devices from the time they could talk. Only Generation Alpha is more digitally connected.
