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Are Teens Delaying Their Licenses by Choice? The Role of Neighborhood Opportunity in Driving Intentions
Driving offers several benefits for adolescents, including increased independence, mobility, and access to social and economic opportunities. However, motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death among this age group. To address this risk, Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) policies implement learner’s permits and restrict adolescents' driving privileges. While there is evidence these policies are effective at reducing crashes, they often only apply to new drivers under age 18. Research shows that around 80% of all 15-year-olds, regardless of their location, plan to learn to drive within the next year. However, by the time they reach ages 17 to 18, data indicates that the likelihood of obtaining a driving permit or license varies based on where they live.