Teen drivers in California are waiting until they are older to get their driver's license

CA DMV reports there are fewer and fewer 16- to 19-year-olds with driver's licenses. Some students say they just didn't feel the need to have a license.

[ll]

4.35 a gallon is hard to afford when you work at Dairy Queen

[coolerking]

The biggest problem is the costs and regulations. Gas, Insurance, finding a cheap car, parking fees, etc. I don't blame kids for not driving. California is super expensive.

[vekomaboomerang]

Turning 16 always went getting your driver's license, which also meant freedom from your parents, but they always bugged you to go pick up your sister/brother from school or go pick up groceries at the store. That was the only downside to getting your license at 16 years old. I understand that some teens still have the fear of driving, but they are going to have to overcome that fear later on in life. Someone needs to create a Driving Academy, with different levels of classes for people who want to learn how to drive and a driving street course in the back of the school. Even if the student decide that they don't want to get their driver's license, they will have the skills just in case of an emergency and that is what really matters. There are some people who may never be able to drive on the road, but they could get behind the wheel and experience the feeling at the Driving Academy.

[mattg]

Some people 21+ still don't have a driver's license. It really depends on where you live and your everyday needs that determine the need for it. Overall, driving is expensive (gas, car insurance, maintenance, registration, etc.) but I still think it's a skill everyone (who is eligible) should have.

[jaminova_]

Time for the police to crack down on distracted driving period! My parents were smart for making me wait another year to get my DL. Probably saved my life and the lives of others!

[cochiesqueen]

This is great, less unexperienced bodies on the road leads to less accidents. Everyone wins

[Douglas-]

I'm 30 and I have a bad driving phobia

[johndough]

Partially bc the car hobby isn't what it was during the 50's- 80's

[InDepthCentral]

There's 11 Million Californians, you just showed us 1 person. This isn't a general problem.

[TigranHakobyan-jhue]

Got my license a few months ago I’m 17

[brandyheart]

Good. We don't need these damn kids on the road unless they're accompanied by an adult

[yearoldnewdriver]

I find it interesting that youth are delaying getting their driver's license. I am a late bloomer myself driving with a permit for over a year. I am getting a driving lesson on Friday. I have my probationary license now. I will be 43 years young in January of 2024.

[elizabethpeterson]

I didn’t get my license when I was 16 years old. I waited till I was 29 years old. I did take Driver’s Education in high school which I did suck. I had permits to drive over the years. I was still chicken to drive. When I first got my 1st car that gave me courage to get my license in mid December 1999.

[royalstitchcreations]

You know BTS (RM) he never gets his license

[stanmarsh]

I’m 20, but I believe 16 and 17 year olds should only drive when they’re with their parents or an adult at least 25 years old. Only drivers age 18 and older should drive unaccompanied.