  The debate on whether young Americans are becoming less reliant on
automobiles is still ongoing. This research compares driver's license
acquisition patterns between Millennials and their succeeding Generation Z
during late adolescence. It also examines factors influencing teenagers'
decisions to obtain driver's licenses. The findings suggest that the decline in
licensing rates may be attributed in part to generational shifts in attitudes
and cultural changes, such as Generation Z's inclination toward educational
trips and their digital upbringing. This research underscores the implications
for planners, practitioners, and policymakers in adapting to potential shifts
in American car culture.
