Younger Generations Aren’t Eager to Drive—This Could Be Why

Younger generations are less confident driving, but more assertive on the roads.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Millennials and Generation Z are different from
older generations
in many obvious ways. But, one particularly surprising difference is in the older versus younger generations willingness and attitude toward driving. 
According to
Jerry
’s 2022 State of the American Driver Report, younger generations are less likely to want to drive, and are less confident about their abilities to drive when they do, than older generations. 
Let’s dive a little deeper into this
Jerry original data

Confidence is key

Perhaps the biggest reason younger generations aren’t as eager to drive is simply because they aren’t as confident in their driving skills as older generations. While Jerry data found nearly half of American drivers (46%) were confident in their abilities, most of that confidence came from Generation X and Baby Boomers.
Generation X was the most likely to rate themselves as good drivers, at 72%. Specifically, Generation X men felt they were good drivers across the board. Overall, Generation Z and Millennials were least likely to say they were good drivers, at 40% and 54%, respectively. 
Confidence in driving ability also varied by gender, with 69% of men across generations characterizing themselves as great drivers, while just 44% of women felt the same. 
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Assertiveness on the road across generations

Confidence factors might be why Millennials and Generation Z are less likely to get their license when they’re eligible. According to Jerry data, while 70% of Baby Boomers and 66% of Generation X got their license as soon as they could, only 53% of Generation Z and 54% of Millennials said the same.
While the reason younger generations are less willing to drive isn’t completely clear,
Forbes
has some ideas. Millennials and Generation Z might feel less inclined to drive because rideshare options are more widely available to them, feel that driving is a chore and not fun, or don’t want to invest in such a large purchase and would rather save their money for something else. 
But, when younger generations do get on the roads, they’re more assertive drivers. According to Jerry data, around 15% of both Generation Z and Millennials reported they honk daily, while that number dropped to less than 10% for Generation X and less than 5% for Baby Boomers.

Driver life skills differ among generations

MORE: How to Get Cheap Car Insurance For Young Drivers
Not only are younger generations less likely to want to drive, but they also appear less likely to pass their road tests. According to Jerry data, the percentage of first-time passers of the road test has decreased over generations. 85% of Baby Boomers passed the first time, 78% of Generation X, and only 64% of both Generation Z and Millennials.
But, Generation X is the most likely to know how to change a tire without help of the internet or a manual, at 81%. The data says that 72% of Baby Boomers, 65% of Millennials, and 52% of Generation Z can say the same.
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