Licensing Age and Teenage Driver Crashes: A Review of the Evidence

Abstract

Objectives: To discuss the variation in licensing ages around the world and summarize what is known about the effects of differing age limits.

Methods: Review of the international literature on the rationale for establishing licensing ages, debates about the justification for higher or lower minimum ages, safety effects of higher minimums, mobility consequences, public opinion, and recent attempts to raise licensing ages.

Results: Minimum licensing ages vary from 14 to 18 years old. Early licensing countries have reduced the young driver problem through graduated licensing systems, but consideration is now being given to increasing the licensing age. The available evidence indicates that this would further reduce young driver crashes. There are mobility consequences that are difficult to quantify. In New Jersey, which has long been the one U.S. state with a 17-year-old licensing age, the delay in licensing appears to have minimal effects on lifestyles of 16-year-olds. Public opinion in the United States favors licensing ages higher than 16.

Conclusions: In debates about higher licensing ages, jurisdictions are deciding how they want to balance safety and mobility. From a safety standpoint, New Jersey, with its combination of higher licensing age and strong graduated licensing provisions, is the model.

Keywords:

• Licensing ages
• Teenagers
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Public opinion
• Graduated driver licensing
• Learner's permits
• Nighttime and passenger restrictions

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author gratefully acknowledges the helpful comments from Adrian Lund and Anne McCartt of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This work was supported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The opinions, findings, and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Notes

*Includes those who chose ages between 16 and 17 and between 17 and 18.