Research on Factors Behind Teens Delaying Their Driver's License

A study followed teens to see why many wait for their driver’s licenses — a phenomenon called delay in driving licensure (DDL). Out of 2,525 teens, nearly 70% delayed getting their license by at least one year. Teens from Latino and Black families, single-parent homes, and families with less money or less education were more likely to wait longer. Teens in cities and suburbs also delayed more than those in rural areas.

One important finding was that when moms knew more about what their teens were doing (called “parental monitoring”), teens were less likely to delay getting their license for a long time. This shows how important it is for parents to stay involved.

This research also shows the importance of mental health related to DDL. Driving is associated with independence and access to opportunities — these are factors that help teens feel confident.

Delaying a driver’s license can be a sign of bigger problems, like not having enough support or facing unfair barriers.

Understanding the Research 

This research used data from the NEXT Generation Health Study. It followed U.S. students from 10th grade (age 16) into early adulthood. The researchers randomly picked schools across the U.S. to invite. A total of 2,785 students took part in the study.

To find out why some teens wait longer to get their driver’s license, the researchers looked into these factors:

• Gender and age
  
• Family living situation
  
• Family wealth (affluence)
  
• Urban, suburban, or rural location
  
• How much parents knew about their teens’ activities
  
• Parents’ views on teens avoiding alcohol

These were the main findings:

• Latino and Black teens were more likely to delay getting their driver’s license compared to white teens. This trend may be due to differences in their access and opportunities.
• Teens from low-income families also experienced greater delays in obtaining their licenses. Financial challenges, such as the costs of driver’s education, insurance, and vehicle maintenance, lead to these delays.
• Teens with parents who didn’t go to college delayed more. This might be because some parents don’t know the steps to get a license.
• Geography also played a role. Teens living in cities and suburbs delayed licensure more often than those in rural areas, possibly because of easier access to public transportation.
• Teens from single-parent families also delayed more. Limited household resources and other priorities can make it more challenging for these teens to pursue licensure.
• When moms knew more about what their teens were doing, their teens were less likely to delay. Dads’ knowledge did not have the same effect.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Getting a driver’s license is not just about driving. It’s also about feeling grown-up and being more independent.

As we’ve learned from the study, teens who wait a long time to get their license may be struggling with confidence and a lack of support. That’s why it’s important for parents and caregivers to stay involved.

Here are steps we can take to help them feel ready:

Talk often and listen well

Make it a habit to ask your teen how their day went, even if it’s just a quick chat after school or during dinner.

Give them the chance to share both the good and the bad parts of their day. This helps your teen become more comfortable opening up about bigger worries. For example, if they’re nervous about learning to drive, they’ll be more likely to tell you.

Teach them step-by-step

Driving can seem scary all at once. Help your teen by breaking it down. You can by explaining the small steps: studying the driver’s manual, learning road signs, sitting in the driver’s seat, or practicing in an empty parking lot. Celebrate each small success. This helps their confidence grow.

Connect driving to their goals

Sometimes, teens don’t feel excited to get their license because they are unsure why it matters. You can show them how driving connects to things they care about. Ask questions like: “What’s the first place you want to go once you can drive yourself?” or “What hobbies or activities will be easier when you can drive?”

Let them know how driving builds their independence.

The researchers are also saying that future studies should look at how DDL affects a teen’s money and safety.

Help your teen build the confidence and coping skills they need, not just for driving, but for life. Check out our Self-Esteem Worksheets and Coping Skills Worksheets.