The author’s nearly 16-year-old is in no rush to obtain a driver’s license. In the state, individuals under 18 must enroll in costly driver’s education courses. However, the teenager is choosing to delay getting a license until a later age. He is content with being chauffeured by the author and has no desire to learn how to drive.
Recently eligible for a learner’s permit in Ohio at 15 and a half years old, the teenager shows little interest in pursuing a driver’s license. Despite the author’s own eagerness to secure a license during their teenage years for the freedom it offered, the teenager’s lack of enthusiasm for driving aligns with many of his Gen Z peers. Unlike the author’s experience of seeking independence through driving, the teenager’s social interactions largely occur online, and he is not actively seeking the autonomy that comes with driving.
While the author had anticipated the teenager would be driving by this age, various factors have influenced their decision to support his choice to postpone obtaining a license. Financial constraints play a significant role, as driver’s education classes in Ohio are expensive, and the requirement of 50 hours of supervised driving practice would fall on the author. Additionally, the flexibility provided by waiting until 18 to obtain a license, skipping formal classes, and having a friend or parent teach driving, is appealing.
Considering the expenses involved, the potential for learning challenges with parent-taught lessons, and concerns about young drivers’ safety, both the author and the teenager agree that waiting to pursue a driver’s license is the best decision for now.
In the realm of driving, individuals aged 16 to 19 face a significantly higher risk of being involved in crashes compared to those over the age of 20, with these incidents standing as the primary cause of death within this demographic. The peak of this risk coincides with the age of 16, a stage my son is currently navigating. To be candid, this reality instills a deep sense of fear within me. With just one child in my care, the privilege of parenting him stands as the most rewarding aspect of my life. The mere thought of him being lost in a crash is nothing short of terrifying.
Furthermore, the issue of insurance comes into play. It is widely understood that incorporating a teenager into an auto insurance policy can come with a hefty price tag, particularly when it comes to teen boys who tend to incur higher costs compared to teen girls. This discrepancy is justified by statistical data showing that boys exhibit higher accident rates, along with a greater propensity for engaging in risky driving behaviors such as driving under the influence. Upon reaching out to my insurance provider for a quote, I was informed that adding my son as a driver would effectively double my current rates.
Reflecting on these factors, I found myself questioning the wisdom of allowing my son to take to the road – a decision that impacts not only him but also other drivers and myself, given the perpetual worry and stress it would entail each time he steps behind the wheel. Perhaps the younger generation, represented by Gen Z, possesses a more astute perspective on these matters than I did during my youth.
Recalling my own experience, shortly after obtaining my license, I recklessly borrowed my mother’s ill-maintained car to assist a friend in preparing signs for a football game. In a moment tainted by inclement weather and vehicle deficiencies, I collided with a telephone pole, narrowly escaping a potentially fatal outcome. While we emerged physically unscathed save for a few bruises, the car was left in ruins.
My son, in his own right, has recognized the financial implications tied to car ownership and operation. Acknowledging that he would be expected to contribute towards expenses should he have access to a vehicle, he fails to discern the advantages of such an arrangement. Despite excelling academically in demanding honors courses, he deems schoolwork to be laborious enough and sees no merit in dedicating his free time to additional responsibilities like driving. In his eyes, the current arrangement – where I chauffeur him around – suffices perfectly. Considering the financial burden and safety risks associated with having him licensed and insured as a driver, I find myself in agreement. While acting as his personal chauffeur may be somewhat burdensome, it proves to be a cost-effective and stress-reducing alternative for both of us.
This contemplation was inspired by an article from Business Insider.
