Are Generation Z Less Car-centric Than Millennials? A Nationwide Analysis Through the Lens of Youth Licensing

The debate on whether young Americans are becoming less reliant on automobiles is still ongoing. This research compares driver’s license acquisition patterns between Millennials and their succeeding Generation Z during late adolescence. It also examines factors influencing teenagers’ decisions to obtain driver’s licenses. The findings suggest that the decline in licensing rates may be attributed in part to generational shifts in attitudes and cultural changes, such as Generation Z’s inclination toward educational trips and their digital upbringing. This research underscores the implications for planners, practitioners, and policymakers in adapting to potential shifts in American car culture.