TL;DR: Most teens today aren't avoiding driving — they're just feeling a mix of emotions about it. Some feel left behind, some can't wait for the freedom, and others are nervous or overwhelmed about where to start. However you feel, you're not alone — and there's no "right" time to begin.
Maybe you're excited. Maybe you're nervous. Or maybe you're just not sure how to feel at all. You're not alone.
Aceable's 2025 Teen Driving Survey found that most students aren't skipping drivers ed because they don't want to drive — they're just overwhelmed, unsure, or waiting for the right moment. When we combined our survey results with national data from Progressive, Business Insider, and CCLife Pulse, a clear picture emerged: teens today are feeling a lot about driving — and it's way deeper than just "I want a license."
Here's what teens across the country are really feeling about learning to drive — and why every emotion is totally valid.
"Everyone Else Has Their License — I'm the Last One"
If you've ever felt behind because your friends are already driving, you're not imagining that pressure. In our survey, "feeling left out" was one of the biggest emotional motivators behind getting a license.
But here's the truth: fewer teens are getting licensed at 16 than ever before. According to Progressive, only 25% of 16-year-olds had a driver's license in 2021, compared to 46% in 1983. This shift is part of what researchers call the mobility equity gap, which affects teens' access to independence and opportunity. So if you're waiting longer — you're part of a trend, not an outlier.
You might feel behind, but you’re not alone. The path to independence looks different for everyone, and starting later doesn’t mean starting wrong. What matters is moving forward when you’re ready—and knowing that freedom is still waiting for you on the other side of that first step.
"Driving = Freedom = Everything"
When we asked students why they wanted a license, "independence" and "freedom" topped the list. Research shows 70% of Gen Z got their license specifically to access job opportunities — making it about more than just convenience. Driving means control: no more asking for rides, no more waiting around. According to Business Insider, even teens who delay driving still view it as their number one path to personal freedom once they're ready.
"Aceable was super fun and straight to the point about their teaching. It was easy to access from anywhere and I was able to work on it from school and home. This program answered all the questions I had and most importantly helped me earn my license!" - AA Trustpilot Review
That first drive alone — music blasting, windows down — hits differently. For most teens, driving isn't about transportation. It's about transformation.
"What If I Fail the Test?"
Test anxiety was one of the most-selected fears in our survey — and it's not just you. Nearly 40% of teens cite fear or anxiety as a reason for delaying licensure, according to Progressive. And parents feel it too — 56% report feeling anxious about their teens starting to drive. It's completely normal to feel pressure when a test decides whether you can finally drive. The emotional load is heavier than most adults realize.
"As a first time learner of the road Aceable has taught me a lot of things what to do and what not to do pavement markings and signs it was helpful for the day of my road test and easy to understand." -Alexander W. Trustpilot Review
At Aceable, we break everything into short, simple steps — so the process feels less like a test, and more like progress.
"I Don't Even Know Where to Start"
Maybe you've thought about getting your license but stopped there because you had no idea where to start. Our survey showed that confusion and overwhelm are among the biggest blockers—and they're not just emotional, they're logistical.
According to CCPulse, many teens delay starting because the permit process feels confusing or intimidating. Between parent-taught vs. instructor-led, online vs. in-person, and different state rules — it's a lot.
"Everything about ACEABLE was Incredible & so detailed! It taught me all I needed to know. Thank y’all for helping me so much." - Sarah Trustpilot Review
That’s exactly why we’ve made our onboarding guides as clear as possible—no jargon, no confusion, just step-by-step support.
"This Is Gonna Be Boring, Isn't It?"
You're not wrong to wonder if drivers ed is going to be a slog. Our survey found "boring" and "too long" as the top reasons teens hesitate to start. Traditional classes can feel like a chore — long videos, slow instructors, no flexibility. But new programs are changing that narrative.
As Wired notes, today's teens expect experiences that are interactive, mobile-friendly, and engaging.
"You guys made learning how to drive a car for me fun, laughable, and educational all at the same time." - Sebastian Truspilot Review
Modern drivers ed should feel like it fits your life — quick, visual, and a little fun. Because learning to drive shouldn't mean zoning out.
Feeling All the Feelings?
You don't have to have it figured out yet. Whether you're nervous, excited, or still just thinking about it — you're exactly where you're supposed to be.
However you're feeling — anxious, confident, or somewhere in between — Aceable's been there with millions of students just like you. When you're ready, we'll be here to help make that first drive one you'll never forget.
Updated 11/11/2025