Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Once upon a time, reaching the age of 16 meant the start of a rite of passage to get a driver's license and get a car of their own. That trend is decelerating as of late.
Andrew Streat from the Stevens Driving School says he's seeing that trend as well.
"It used to be they turned 16-years-old, grab their permit, grab their license, go get a road test. We more so see people that are until they're almost forced to, they don't drive," said Streat in an interview with WBEN.
Lately, teens are waiting to obtain their driver's license until they're 18 or 19, when they can have a car on campus.
Streat does understand getting behind the wheel can be pricey for kids.
"With the price of gas, the price of insurance, the price of vehicles, it definitely makes it more difficult for them to start driving at 16," Streat acknowledged.
Those factors have forced some teens to wait until they're forced to leave the nest.
Streat is among those pushing 16-year-olds to pursue getting a driver's license at 16.
"It's a freedom. It's an independence. It opens doors for you," Streat explained.
He adds job applications ask if you have reliable transportation, and having the license can help you get a job.