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What If Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Get a Driver’s License?

Young Driver

Back in the day, turning 16 meant one thing—getting your driver’s license and claiming your freedom! But times are changing, and more and more teens are hitting the brakes on getting their license. According to recent statistics, the number of 16-year-olds with a license has dropped significantly over the years. Many teens are waiting until they turn 18 or even older before getting behind the wheel.

Why? Well, a few reasons. Some just aren’t that interested in driving. Others don’t feel the need for a car because they can rely on parents, friends, or ride-share services. But let’s be real—unless you live in a city with amazing public transportation (which most of the U.S. doesn’t), life gets tricky when you start working or going to college. Relying on Ubers or carpooling isn’t always practical or affordable.

If your teen waits until they’re 18 to get their license, the process is actually easier—on paper, at least. They typically don’t have to take driver’s education or complete supervised driving hours. Sounds great, right? Not so fast.

Here’s the catch: those extra steps for teens under 18—driver’s ed, a learner’s permit, and required practice hours—exist for a reason. They help build a strong foundation, ensuring new drivers gain essential skills before hitting the road solo.

Let’s break it down:

If they get their license BEFORE turning 18:

  • Must get a learner’s permit and hold it for a certain period. See the specific state requirements here
  • Must complete 50+ hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night)
  • Likely required to take a driver’s ed course
  • Graduated licensing laws apply (restrictions on driving at night and carrying passengers). More details here

If they wait until AFTER turning 18:

  • No learner’s permit required in many states
  • No mandatory practice hours
  • No formal driver’s ed requirement
  • Can go straight to the driving test (with zero experience)

Sounds convenient, but skipping all that training can be risky.

Here’s where things get concerning. Young adults who wait until 18+ to drive often miss out on structured training, which means they lack the same level of supervised driving practice. This can lead to overconfidence without real skills—especially when they start driving with friends in the car. Studies show that new drivers, regardless of age, are at the highest risk of accidents in their first year behind the wheel. And when you add peer passengers into the mix? The risk skyrockets.

Whether your teen is 16 or 18+, proper driving training is key. Just because the law doesn’t require something doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. That’s why we highly recommend following the same process younger teens go through:

✔️ Drive at least 50 hours (including 10 at night) and use tools like the GUIDE2Safeti app for your supervised driving log. See the driving hours log requirements based on your state.
✔️ Follow graduated licensing restrictions, even if they aren’t legally required
✔️ Use a supervised driving practice guide for tips and quality driving lessons
✔️ Focus on defensive driving skills and real-world situations

Driving is a huge responsibility, and whether your teen starts at 16 or 18, the goal is the same: to be a safe, confident, and skilled driver. So, if your teen is waiting to get their driver’s license, encourage them to still follow a structured approach. Their safety (and the safety of everyone on the road) depends on it!

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