Parents of budding teenagers still remember the excitement and freedom that came with earning their driver’s license. This would have been their greatest achievement as a teenager. So why aren’t your children motivated to get their license and gain the freedom and sense of accomplishment that comes with it? Teenagers between 16 and 18 who have driver’s licenses have dropped from 85 percent in 1996 to 71 percent today. This article will discuss several reasons why teens are waiting to get their license, or in some cases never getting one at all.
There’s an App For That!
The internet is everywhere. If you want to buy something online, there’s an app for that. If you want to sell your used DVD’s or couch, there’s an app for that. If you need a ride to the mall, there’s an app for that. Mobile applications such as Uber or Lyft allow anyone with a credit or debit card to summon a ride whenever they need it. Teens are taking advantage of this convenient tool and simply getting rides on an as-need basis. This allows teens to travel without getting a license or asking parents to drive them.
Driver’s Education is Not a Priority
Getting a driver’s license is a lot of work, and some teens see it as too much work. Most states require at least fifty hours of supervised driving before a teen can get their license. Also, there are more restrictions for teen drivers. They are unable to drive late at night and cannot have any unlicensed or underage passengers until they are 18. Many schools offer driver education courses, but they are no longer required. They view not having to take the extra driver’s education course as a perk and spend their time on other activities such as sports or socializing with friends.
Lack of Money
Less and less high school students have part-time jobs. They are focused on school work, social media, sports, and all the drama that comes with being a kid. Cars are expensive and many teens opt out of getting license simply because they don’t have a steady income to support paying for a car. Even if their parents are able to help them buy a car they have to pay for gas, repairs, insurance, and countless other expenses that come with owning a vehicle.
Teens Are Addicted to Social Media
Staying connected with friends is so easy for teens today. They can connect with their friends through social media or online games. They can text, video chat, talk on the phone, message each other on Facebook and countless other forms of communication thanks to the advances the internet has made in past few years. This is another reason why many teens wait to get their license because they no longer have to drive to see their friends they can simply talk to them through one of the hundreds of social media outlets available.
Access to Public Transportation
Teens in today’s society are hooked to their smartphones. They can do everything. But sometimes, if there are no Uber drivers available, and mom and dad aren’t home, and they need to go out, teens utilize public transportation. They can take the train if they are in the city, catch a bus, or even walk to almost any destination.
Social media, public transportation, no steady income, and access to applications such as Uber are a few reason why today’s teens are choosing to wait to get their license. As a parent, you can help motivate your teens by no longer driving them everywhere. Encourage them to get a part-time job, and offer to help pay for a car if you are able. Driving is a privilege as much as it is enjoyable. To learn more about teen drivers and what you can expect as a parent, contact us.