High school students in four states were surveyed every six months from their freshman through senior years. Delaware students could obtain learner's permits beginning age 15 years and 10 months and licenses at age 16, but New Jersey students could not get their licences until age 17. Comparisons among states indicated the age at which teenagers first drive on public roads, obtain learner's permits, and obtain licenses is younger for Delaware students compared with students living in other states. Comparisons within states indicated students with higher grade point averages and living with both parents, of whom at least one was college educated, were more likely to become licensed at younger ages. The importance of these intrastate intrastate personal and family variables was greatest in Connecticut, which allowed a home study option for teaching young people to drive. Implications of these findings for graduated licensing systems, currently being considered by several states, are discussed. (A)
Abstract