Gen Z teens largely put the brakes on driving, signaling 'seismic' shift in US car culture: study

Gen Z is noticeably diverging from the classic American milestone of obtaining a driver's license as a teen, with only about 3.6% of U.S. drivers under 19. Factors like the rise of rideshare apps, financial constraints from student loans, and a cultural shift that questions traditional norms are contributing to this trend. Senior automotive journalist David Straughan highlights that the reduction in young drivers is a major cultural shift, potentially driven by financial considerations and changing work and social habits.

According to David Straughan, the financial burden associated with owning and maintaining a car has significantly influenced Gen Z's driving habits. Younger Americans today accumulate more student loan debt than earlier generations and face increasing costs associated with technology and living expenses. The expenses related to driving a car, owning a car, keeping a car, and maintaining a car are very high, and eliminating these costs can be life-changing for Gen Z. This financial pressure, combined with the availability of alternative transportation options, has led Gen Z to question the necessity of owning a car and contributed to the decline in the percentage of licensed drivers among this age group.