Little known fact: My dad started teaching me how to drive (stick-shift) at age 12 and the first episode was an emotional disaster…for both of us.  I don’t think my Dad had thought this through.  He was introducing me to all aspects of driving (steering, braking and accelerating with a stick shift) simultaneously.  The adventure began on a quiet neighborhood street.  I must have stalled out more than two dozen times before the car moved an inch.  Finally, we were moving and, as I engaged the second gear, my Dad pointed out that there were kids playing in the street several blocks away and I should be careful not to hit them.  So, I responded immediately by smashing my foot to the brake.  Did I mention that we were not wearing seat belts and that my Dad had a manhattan cocktail in his hand to steady his nerves?  Somehow in the midst of our heads hitting the windshield and my Dad’s drink spilling over him and the car, I managed to accidentally shift the gear to neutral.  As the car was rolling forward with my Dad cursing a blue streak at me from the passenger seat, I ran home crying to mom.  For the next two years, I dreamed that I would never learn how to drive, and, even as an old biddy, kind strangers would have to chauffeur me.

I share this story because, back in my day, getting your driver’s license was a rite of passage.  My hesitation to want to achieve this grand goal—even as I matured into a 15 – 16 year old--was highly unusual.  I chalk it up to the trauma induced by my first encounter.

But, what about today?  Why is it that so many teens are delaying the onset of driving?  According to a national study[i], less than half (44 percent) of teens obtain a driver’s license within 12 months of the minimum age for licensing in their state, and just over half (54 percent) are licensed before their 18th birthday. 

Safety experts are concerned about this trend.  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has worked for nearly two decades to recommend that all states adopt and enforce a comprehensive three-stage (learner’s permit, intermediate/probationary license, full/unrestricted license) graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for novice teen drivers. These programs require minimum holding periods and practice requirements for teens with learner’s permits, followed by restricted licenses that limit driving at night or with peer passengers. The intent of these requirements is to help novice drivers safely gain the skills and experience needed to become safe adult drivers.[ii]  If a teen waits until the age of 18, the graduated requirements disappear.[iii]

So, what reasons did the study reveal about why teens were delaying driving?[iv]

• 44 percent – Did not have a car
• 39 percent – Could get around without driving
• 36 percent – Gas was too expensive
• 36 percent – Driving was too expensive
• 35 percent – “Just didn’t get around to it”

Some have also suggested that social media could be replacing the need to hang out with friends in person.[v]

Whew!  I’m glad it isn’t because of parent-induced trauma. 🙂  But, parents, if you have a permitted driver, I would encourage you—even if the law does not require it—to spend plenty of time with your teen behind the wheel practicing under all conditions.  Check out this 45-hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide published by the Virginia Department of Education!

This might come in handy in more ways than one.  At the time of this posting, NC state funding for driver’s education is slated to end fall of 2016, and the full cost of this training will reside with local communities.[vi]

Parents, if you have a moment, please share a story about your first driving foray…or share some “lessons learned” if you have helped your teen gain confidence behind the wheel.

[i] http://newsroom.aaa.com/2013/08/teens-delaying-licensure-a-cause-for-concern/

[ii] Ibid

[iii] http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/teen-drivers.php

[iv] http://newsroom.aaa.com/2013/08/teens-delaying-licensure-a-cause-for-concern/

[v] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/30/teen-drivers-licenses_n_4698288.html

[vi] http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2015/06/16/nc-senate-unveils-education-budget-that-guts-teacher-assistants-rewards-less-experienced-teachers/