Younger Americans are in no rush to start driving.
Gen-Zers, also known as Zoomers, are more likely to wait to get a driver's license and a car. In 1997, the number of 16-year-olds with a license or permit was more than 40%. By 2020, that number had dropped to 25%. Teens and young adults today are more likely to call an Uber or use public transit. Houston attorney Michele Maples says young Americans don't feel like they have to get a license and a car as soon as possible.
“They have everything they want in their own little domain,” Maples explained. “They feel connected through their phones, through social media. They already know what each other are doing because they are non-stop taking selfies or they’re nonstop videoing themselves.”
Other reasons Gen-Zers are not eager to drive include the cost and concerns about getting in an accident.