# teens not wanting driver's license---why? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 11, 2012, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469 "2012-03-11T17:03:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/202 "2013-01-05T04:09:09Z")
> [@Dave\_Hartwick](#): > > The article claimed that teens were the ones who didn’t want to drive, no that parents were trying to stop kids from driving. Have any evidence that parents are doing such a thing? > > The dangers of driving are not remote. I’ve been in accidents. You’ve been in accidents. Ambivalid nearly got killed. It’s a risk that most people accept as a matter of course, and then some of them will get nervous about much more remote dangers, like flying, terrorism, home invasions. > > Sorry to hear. What’s your point? People who don’t drive are parasites? Pedestrians also have accidents. As do buses, trains, and cabs. Not having a driver’s license does not provide you with an invisible accident shield. And parasites isn’t a word for polite company. Persons who can’t drive because of health reasons deserve a helping hand. Persons who won’t drive because they shamelessly rely on friends, family, and neighbors to look after them are users. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/203 "2013-01-05T04:30:32Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > \ > So I ask my friends for the occasional lift because I don’t have a car, I’m a parasite. But if you ask for a lift because your car breaks down, it’s just a natural and normal part of things?\ > [@Troppus](#): > > \ I have a couple of nearby acquaintances who refuse to drive, and though they might claim they rarely bother others for rides, they actually _frequently_ bother others for rides and we find them bothersome. > > (It’s not the same for those of us who drive and have cars to help one another out in the case of car trouble; we trade favors. The non-drivers have nothing to offer but the occasional fiver for gas, which doesn’t cover wear and tear, time, and the general nuisance of waiting around while they run errands.) That’s what’s missing when a non-driver asks for rides - the reciprocity. Also, non-drivers are very cavalier about doing things like paying for gas or not asking for rides at inconvenient times - when it’s no effort or expense for _you_, it’s easy to forget that is is an effort and an expense for someone else. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/204 "2013-01-05T04:34:18Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > Pedestrians also have accidents. As do buses, trains, and cabs. Not having a driver’s license does not provide you with an invisible accident shield. > And parasites isn’t a word for polite company. Persons who can’t drive because of health reasons deserve a helping hand. Persons who won’t drive because they shamelessly rely on friends, family, and neighbors to look after them are users. Okay, but your chances of dying in a car wreck are 1 in 84. For comparison, the lifetime chance of dying in a pedestrian accident is 1 in 626. Traffic accidents are the lead cause of death among young people, and it’s the most realistic threat to a young person’s life. Those odds are directly related to the number of miles you travel. It’s one of the most common ways to die, and I’d guess it is the most common cause of serious injuries among healthy people. That’s not why I don’t drive, but I do like that I’m much less likely to die in a bloody mess well before my time. In my case, I have terrible eyesight (nearly blind in one eye, other eye is fine) that I can drive with, but will require costly tests and certifications before I can get cleared to drive. Since I haven’t been in a situation where I’ve needed one (and indeed spent four years specifically forbidden to drive as a Peace Corps volunteer), I’ve never prioritizing dropping hundreds on something that is, at this point in my life, only able to provide a theoretical advantage. If I ever see and advantage, which I’m sure will happen at some point, it’s not like your neurons close when you turn 17. I’ll sign up for a driver’s ed class and get her done. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/205 "2013-01-05T04:42:51Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > That’s what’s missing when a non-driver asks for rides - the reciprocity. Also, non-drivers are very cavalier about doing things like paying for gas or not asking for rides at inconvenient times - when it’s no effort or expense for _you_, it’s easy to forget that is is an effort and an expense for someone else. No, jerks are. Jerks come in all flavors. Those are the same people who don’t include tax when they split a restaurant bill and show up at house parties empty handed. In my first year of grad school, I think I rode in a non-taxi vehicle approximately five times, none as favors. As mentioned, very few of my friends have cars. ---
**Author:** ![Dave\_Hartwick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@Dave\_Hartwick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave_Hartwick)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/206 "2013-01-05T06:07:42Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > Pedestrians also have accidents. As do buses, trains, and cabs. Not having a driver’s license does not provide you with an invisible accident shield. True, but I don’t walk at speeds of 100 kph. There’s a big difference in the level of risk-- something I got at in the post you answered. Even sven’s numbers sound plausible. > [@](#): > > And parasites isn’t a word for polite company. Persons who can’t drive because of health reasons deserve a helping hand. Persons who won’t drive because they shamelessly rely on friends, family, and neighbors to look after them are users. Since you don’t mind pointing out the obvious to me, I’ll do the same favor: next time, tell users to take a cab. Problem solved forever! 100% of the rides I needed in 2012, I paid for, with one exception. My family went to to my father-in-law’s for Christmas, they offered to pick us up from the station, we got a lift. I felt OK about it. I don’t think I fall into either of your categories. I don’t drive because it’s cheaper and better for the environment to not have a car. I don’t need to ask people for a ride. I feel better than OK about that. So, I’m not concerned at all that fewer teens are getting licenses. They may be better off for it. ---
**Author:** ![Sevencl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@Sevencl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sevencl)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/207 "2013-01-05T16:17:02Z")
Wow, parasite seems a pretty strong term. I’m sure anyone you’re friendly enough to give a lift would do you a favour too if you needed it, they just happen not to have cars, so car-related favours are out. And really, do you go through life wanting quid pro quo from _everyone_? ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/208 "2013-01-05T16:30:14Z")
> [@Sevencl](#): > > Wow, parasite seems a pretty strong term. I’m sure anyone you’re friendly enough to give a lift would do you a favour too if you needed it, they just happen not to have cars, so car-related favours are out. And really, do you go through life wanting quid pro quo from _everyone_? It would be awesome if you would read for comprehension before posting. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/209 "2013-01-05T16:41:15Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > Okay, but your chances of dying in a car wreck are 1 in 84. For comparison, the lifetime chance of dying in a pedestrian accident is 1 in 626. Traffic accidents are the lead cause of death among young people, and it’s the most realistic threat to a young person’s life. Those odds are directly related to the number of miles you travel. It’s one of the most common ways to die, and I’d guess it is the most common cause of serious injuries among healthy people. And if there’s one thing that all teenagers obsess about, it’s their mortality. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/210 "2013-01-05T18:08:26Z")
> [@](#): > > And if there’s one thing that all teenagers obsess about, it’s their mortality Actually, the one thing that teenagers obsess about is: SEX And that’s really the reason that I started this thread: …sex! Yet somehow, nobody has mentioned it yet. After reading this thread, I can (just barely) comprehend how some teens today don’t feel the same need to drive that I felt in the 1970’s. Today, driving is more expensive, is limited by many more restrictions ( limited number of passengers, driving with a parent alongside). And Facebook/ cell phones provide social interaction without driving. But, ya know, a drivers license provides more than just _social_ intercourse. Teens have certain urges that can be satisfied in a parked car. And, snark aside, I’m not just talking about crude sex. Getting your license was the most basic prerequiste for going on a simple date to the movies. Which of course, might, just might lead to an opportunity to do some kissing , fondling or whatever in the car later. How can today’s teens not want an opportunity like that? Sure, today teens live differently. Houses are bigger, parents are cooler(more like friends than authority figures) . But when you want some private time with a boyfriend/girlfriend, having a drivers license seems like the first important step. After 200 posts, I still just don’t get it. * * * ( and a note to Vinyl Turnip: I realize your line about mortality was cynical, I just quoted it because it made a good seque to my post) ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/211 "2013-01-05T18:39:41Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > …With all the porn out there now, the phenomenon is sufficiently documented that many young men probably see no need to rush into independent verification. … This is it, for the boys at least. The only reason to leave the house is for food and lube. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/212 "2013-01-05T18:47:10Z")
> [@Dave\_Hartwick](#): > > Why’s that? Because after my accident (and becoming paralyzed and wheelchair-dependent), my ability to be independent and live my life on my terms became much more difficult. I have gone periods of years since being paralyzed _without_ a driver’s license and my life was basically spent imprisoned in my own home, as I was unable to do pretty much anything. Being able to depend on yourself is really the only way someone in my position can ever truly be autonomous. Also, given the fact many other forms of transportation (like other people’s cars, etc.) are unable to accommodate my wheelchair, it makes being able to transport myself all the more vital. ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/213 "2013-01-05T18:48:49Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > Sure, today teens live differently. Houses are bigger, parents are cooler(more like friends than authority figures) . But when you want some private time with a boyfriend/girlfriend, having a drivers license seems like the first important step. After 200 posts, I still just don’t get it. Of course you don’t get it. You’ve somehow got it in your head that you NEED a car to have sex. You should like an adult so surely you heard the term “latchkey kid” back in the 80s right? In 2013 it’s so widespread that it doesn’t even need a special term of art anymore. It just is. From about 2:30 to 5, every teenager in this country is left to their own devices. Some sit around and Facebook/video game/watch TV while others have two-and-a-half hour sex marathons. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to walk/bike somewhere in the suburbs. And I imagine the promise of some lovin’ will get those little feet moving. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/214 "2013-01-05T18:49:46Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > That is an odd statement. No, it’s really not. You just didn’t understand what I was saying. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/215 "2013-01-05T19:23:35Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > Actually, the one thing that teenagers obsess about is: SEX > And that’s really the reason that I started this thread: …sex! Yet somehow, nobody has mentioned it yet. > > After reading this thread, I can (just barely) comprehend how some teens today don’t feel the same need to drive that I felt in the 1970’s. Today, driving is more expensive, is limited by many more restrictions ( limited number of passengers, driving with a parent alongside). And Facebook/ cell phones provide social interaction without driving. But, ya know, a drivers license provides more than just _social_ intercourse. Teens have certain urges that can be satisfied in a parked car. > > And, snark aside, I’m not just talking about crude sex. Getting your license was the most basic prerequiste for going on a simple date to the movies. Which of course, might, just might lead to an opportunity to do some kissing , fondling or whatever in the car later. How can today’s teens not want an opportunity like that? > > Sure, today teens live differently. Houses are bigger, parents are cooler(more like friends than authority figures) . But when you want some private time with a boyfriend/girlfriend, having a drivers license seems like the first important step. After 200 posts, I still just don’t get it. Sigh, you are right. Let’s all lament how irresponsible today’s children, with their disinterest in that extremely mature activity- necking in cars. Seriously, do you need a list of places where teens can get busy other than vehicles? Have you no imagination? And yes, dating is possible without cars. We usually took the bus down the street to the mall, or walked to various house parties (suburban high schools usually draw from within a couple miles, you know?) In any case, it is true that today’s teens are more likely to be focusing on things like college admissions. It’s a more competitive world out there, and the freewheeling carefree teens years are growing to be a thing of the past. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/216 "2013-01-05T20:58:48Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > No, it’s really not. You just didn’t understand what I was saying. I was agreeing with you; Hartwick’s statement was odd. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/217 "2013-01-05T21:01:56Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > I was agreeing with you; Hartwick’s statement was odd. Oh, I see. I’m sorry, I read that wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/218 "2013-01-05T21:08:50Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > In any case, it is true that today’s teens are more likely to be focusing on things like college admissions. nm ---
**Author:** ![Dave\_Hartwick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@Dave\_Hartwick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave_Hartwick)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/219 "2013-01-05T22:30:20Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Because after my accident (and becoming paralyzed and wheelchair-dependent), my ability to be independent and live my life on my terms became much more difficult. I have gone periods of years since being paralyzed _without_ a driver’s license and my life was basically spent imprisoned in my own home, as I was unable to do pretty much anything. Being able to depend on yourself is really the only way someone in my position can ever truly be autonomous. Also, given the fact many other forms of transportation (like other people’s cars, etc.) are unable to accommodate my wheelchair, it makes being able to transport myself all the more vital. I can see how in your case having a car is a necessity. Can you see why I think it’s odd that somebody who was put in a wheelchair after a car wreck is saying that everybody should get a license? ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/220 "2013-01-05T23:10:40Z")
> [@Dave\_Hartwick](#): > > I can see how in your case having a car is a necessity. Can you see why I think it’s odd that somebody who was put in a wheelchair after a car wreck is saying that everybody should get a license? Where did I say that everybody should get a license? What I did say was I have a hard time understanding _why_ an apparently large segment of the younger population feels no need to get one. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2013, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469/221 "2013-01-05T23:12:14Z")
> [@GameHat](#): > > I’ve observed this phenomenon as well and it blows my mind. Hell, I’m not even that old - 30! - and in my day, you were itching to take the driver’s test the day you turned 16. That’s what I did. Don’t assume there weren’t kids in your high school who weren’t pretty ambivalent about it. You aren’t a sample of everyone. And again, it must be emphasized; getting a license is not as easy as it used to be. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teens-not-wanting-drivers-license-why/615469.md?page=12)