Sliding Path to Adulthood: What 605 Gen Z Drivers Told Us About Growing Up in 2025

TL;DR

Aceable surveyed over 600 Gen Z drivers across 45 states to uncover how a driver's license impacts education, employment, mental health, and more. What we found? Driving isn't just a milestone—it's a multiplier. This year-end report brings together the biggest insights from our 2025 research campaign, now housed in one authoritative, linkable, and citation-ready hub.

Driving in 2025: A Rite of Passage That Still Rules

At a time when everything from classes to careers has gone mobile, one thing hasn't changed: getting a driver's license still defines growing up. In fact, 94% of Gen Z adults say it felt like a major step toward adulthood—not just a task on a checklist, but a game-changer for independence, access, and identity.

This is the definitive recap of how driving shaped Gen Z's 2025. Powered by first-party data, this report breaks down the full impact of mobility—from the job market to mental health, from college to climate resilience.

Mobility = Opportunity: Driving's Role in Education & Career Launch

Driving opens doors that ride-shares and bus routes often can't.

• 81% say having a license helped them make the most of school
• 69% got their first job or internship because they could drive
• 54% say they wouldn't have their current job without their license
• 42% reported a salary boost tied to driving

Whether it's getting to class, a gig, or a dream job interview—mobility equals access. Our research on driving's impact on Gen Z educationDriving Equity Gen Z Education Gap Driving Research reveals how the license gap creates lasting disparities in academic outcomes and career readiness.

Life Skills Behind the Wheel

More than parallel parking. More than passing the test.

• 91% say getting their license taught them life skills
• 75% learned time management
• 72% gained self-reliance
• 58% improved planning skills
• 50% credit driving with building financial independence

A driver's license is often Gen Z's first taste of adult responsibility—and their first success. For parents navigating this milestone, understanding how to help teens with drivingHelping Parents With Teen Driving Milestones Driving Research can make the transition smoother and more meaningful.

When the Unexpected Hits, Driving = Readiness

Gen Z isn't just using their licenses to get around—they're using them to help out.

• 81% feel more prepared for extreme weather because they can drive
• 41% have used their vehicle to help others during an emergency
• 75% rely on their license to access essentials like groceries
• 47% volunteer more easily because of driving independence

In a world of wildfires, floods, and power outages, a license is a lifeline.

Driving and Mental Health: The Unexpected Link

For a generation navigating pressure, burnout, and anxiety, driving offers more than freedom.

• 82% say having a license has been beneficial to their mental health
• 79% say it helped them stay connected to relationships
• 71% say it helped them make new friends

From reducing isolation to building confidence, driving = emotional mobility. This data underscores why driver's licenses still matterClosing The Mobility Gap Driving Research even in an era of digital connectivity and alternative transportation.

The License = Career Accelerator

Mobility isn't optional when it comes to workforce access.

• 70% of Gen Z pursued their license specifically to get a job
• 9 in 10 say it expanded job access beyond their immediate area
• 42% say it helped them secure a promotion or title change

This isn't just anecdotal. It's workforce infrastructure. Our deep dive into how licenses unlock career mobilityThe Missing Link In Career Mobility A License Driving Research shows that driving access directly correlates with earning potential and professional advancement opportunities for young adults.