Generational change may be the reason fewer teens are driving

Aug. 29—The number of teenagers 19 and under with a driver's license has dropped by 24% over the past three decades, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration, and local experts think the biggest reason for this might just be a mindset change in today's youth.

In 1995, around 64% of teenagers 19 and younger had a driver's license, according to FWA data. In 2021, that number was just under 40%.

Frank Till, executive director of St. Joseph Safety and Health Council, thinks it could be tied to a generational change.

"I don't think they crave that human interaction like maybe when I was a young person," Till said. "We couldn't wait to get out and see our friends."

Till said the only way to talk to friends was on the phone or see them in person. Now, teens have access to social media, gaming and many more forms of communication online, which may lead to less incentive to be able to travel freely.

He has seen the decline at a local level.

"Our driver's education program, Our enrollment was down this past year," Till said. "We've got an increased number of adults who have never had their driver's license before is now requesting driving training from us."

An adult driving class for the older groups looking to get a license still will be rolling out in the next couple of weeks.

Till recalled the desire to get a license much stronger when he was younger.

"When I was a kid everybody knew, in our close friend group, knew when this person was turning 16," He said. "It was such a right of passage for us back then, I mean, we couldn't wait."

While teens today without a license know a friend with one, the mindset to get a license has shifted.

Central High School student Camryn Thompson is waiting for her license.

"Just because of all the traffic and the wrecks," Thompson said. "The school parking lot is always ... crowded after school; it's just a lot of anxiety."

Fellow classmate Cartel Cage felt a little differently.

"Soon as I turned 16, I went there to take the test," Cage said. "I already have the car, so I wanted to get it as soon as possible."

Central student Myles Croteau is currently waiting to turn 16 to be able to get his license, but he said he will be getting it right away.

"I am just trying to get some food and hang out with friends," Croteau said.

Freedom appeared to be another reason for getting a license immediately. Driving anywhere on their own time can help a lot, especially for those who work.

As for those unsure, Central student Tessa Thompson waited a bit but got hers eventually.

"I got it as soon as I felt ready," Thompson said. "I would definitely drive around with your parents or a trusted adult first. ... Even my first time on the road it was still scary but I would get your license. It helps back and forth for work a lot."