Are there many young people who don't get a driver's license?

[VonGrant]

There are very few young people who don't get a driver's license. With the improvement of living standards, almost every household now owns a car, and automobiles have become the most common means of transportation. The following points should be noted during the driver's license test: 1. When shifting gears: Pause slightly at the neutral position when shifting gears, and pay special attention not to shift into fifth gear when changing from second to third gear. When shifting from first to second gear, gently press the accelerator until reaching walking speed before shifting. 2. Precautions for turning left: On narrow roads, turn the steering wheel when the right front corner of the car aligns with the roadside; on wider roads, you can turn slightly earlier. 3. Precautions for turning right: On narrow roads, turn the steering wheel when the left front corner of the car aligns with the roadside; on wider roads, you can turn slightly earlier.

[SadieDella]

As a young person, I notice many of my peers are delaying or outright giving up on getting a driver's license. My family urged me to learn after turning 18, but I hesitated when seeing the costs and hassle: getting a license starts at four to five thousand yuan, plus queuing for practice sessions and the stress of exams. Living in a big city, taking the subway may be crowded but it's punctual, and ride-hailing apps or shared bikes are convenient and budget-friendly—why spend that extra money? Young people today are more financially savvy, with some even pursuing eco-friendliness by riding e-bikes or taking public transport to reduce carbon emissions—urban options like these are increasing. With heavy economic pressures and low starting salaries after graduation, the costs of owning and maintaining a car are daunting. Many prefer saving for travel or skill-building courses. Among the people I know, half haven’t gotten their licenses, and most say ride-hailing services suffice unless you live in rural areas or need a car on standby.

[LaRylee]

From a sociological perspective, the number of young people not obtaining driver's licenses is indeed increasing, representing a noticeable trend. Survey data indicates that approximately one-third of urban residents aged 18-25 are postponing or skipping driving tests for various reasons: First, rising costs of driver education, with rapid inflation in exam fees and tuition placing financial burdens on average families. Second, improved transportation accessibility, as developed public transit systems (buses, subways, high-speed rail) in major cities and the popularity of ride-sharing services reduce private car demand. Third, lifestyle shifts, with younger generations favoring efficient and eco-friendly alternatives—remote work trends have decreased commuting frequency. Heightened environmental awareness has also led some to adopt low-carbon lifestyles. This phenomenon is observed to impact automotive market sales while simultaneously accelerating the development of urban green mobility policies.

[AnaDella]

From an urban transportation perspective, it's increasingly common for young people to skip getting a driver's license. The main reasons are the improved modern public transit systems—for instance, extensive metro coverage in first- and second-tier cities, combined with bike-sharing or ride-hailing services, makes travel convenient enough that few feel the urgency to drive. Additionally, high costs and lengthy exam cycles for learning to drive lead young people to focus their energy elsewhere, such as career training or entrepreneurship. The popularity of eco-conscious ideals also drives many to reject high-emission cars. With the maturity of the sharing economy, the demand for personal driving naturally declines, reflecting societal progress—though smaller cities may remain exceptions, where public transit is scarce and driving tests remain prevalent.

[VonBethany]

From a parent's perspective, I've noticed that the younger generation isn't as enthusiastic about getting driver's licenses as we were in our youth. My son just graduated from university and firmly refuses to learn driving, saying taking buses and Didi is more relaxing and cost-effective, while the driving test is too time-consuming and expensive. Young people today are more financially savvy – the costs of buying and maintaining a car start from thousands, which they'd rather invest in skills or travel. The convenience of the sharing economy means they can get around without owning a car. Environmental awareness also has significant influence; they're concerned about carbon emissions and actively reduce driving. This phenomenon is more common in big cities and might be less so in smaller towns, but the overall trend shows declining enthusiasm for driver's licenses as kids make more practical and flexible life choices.

[DeChristian]

During work, I overheard colleagues chatting and found that many young employees don't have a driver's license. Xiao Zhang, a 25-year-old working in a tech company, directly stated the reasons: high cost of learning to drive, annoying queues, and public transportation being more economical. Commuting in big cities is efficient with subways and avoids traffic jams, while car rentals or Didi rides solve holiday transportation needs. Young people prioritize spending their money and time on learning and entertainment, such as obtaining certifications or traveling. The popularity of shared mobility has reduced the necessity for private cars. Of course, those living in suburbs or with job requirements might still get a license, but the proportion is significantly smaller. This phenomenon is being driven by changing lifestyles.