Teen Driving by the Numbers

March 20, 2019 | Story | No Comments

Kids aren’t getting behind the wheel as much these days. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not just because smartphones and social media let them stay connected.

71%

of high school seniors have a driver’s license—the lowest percentage in decades.

15%

of teens cite being able to communicate online as a reason for not getting a license before 18.

36%

say the main reason they’re not learning how to drive is its “overall cost.” State subsidies for high school driver’s ed classes are declining nationwide. Private driving courses average $350.

25%

of teens in households with incomes below $20,000 get their license before 18. That number increases to 52% in households with incomes of $40,000 to $59,999, and 79% in households with incomes of at least $100,000.

84%

of money spent on “taxi services” by users of the teen-focused debit card Current goes to Lyft and Uber, despite those companies’ policies prohibiting unaccompanied riders younger than 18. Companies usually don’t know a cardholder’s age, so there’s no way for ride-share services to police who orders a car. The onus for reporting rule-breakers falls to the driver.

68%

of teens admit to checking apps while driving.

80%

of teens consider app use while driving “not distracting.”

12%

of crashes involving teens were caused by cell phone use, according to a 2015 study.