Teens wait to get their drivers licenses

Kids used to not be able to wait to be 16 to finally be able to drive, but recently, most teenagers don’t feel the same. More teens are waiting to get their licenses until they are 18.

According to an August 2013 study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, fewer than half (44 percent) of teens get their license within 12 months of the minimum age for licensing in their state.

“I am waiting because I have no crucial reason to drive at this time, and it will be faster to get [my license] when I am 18,” senior Leann Cao said. “Waiting until I am 18 saves me a lot of money because I don’t have to worry about gas or car bills.”

Cao isn’t the only one wanting to save money, senior Nehemiah Reason also wants to hold out on driving because of the responsibilities he will have to take on.

“I don’t know how much [the overall] cost will be, but I know it will be a lot of money. I’ll have to get a job to pay for repairs and gas,” Reason said.

The process of being licensed at 18 is much faster than at age 16. A permit is not required. Classes at a school or parent taught aren’t either, which is the reason many teens have waited. This can also raise concerns that these people have so little driving experience. But there is a downside to waiting and the process being simpler; being stuck depending on people for rides for two extra years.

“The fact that I didn’t get my license when I was 16 is kind of a bummer,” Cao said. “Mostly because I didn’t get to experience the fun of having freedom at such a young age. I didn’t get much freedom during off campus lunch. I think it would be a lot easier if I could take myself to work because I feel bad when my mom has to,” Cao said.

There is still a high percentage of teens who do get their license at 16, but that number is dropping more every year

“I think it all depends on the situation. If a 16 year old has a stable life, with a car then there shouldn’t be a reason to not get their license. But I see nothing wrong in waiting, because overall it saves time and money,” Cao said.