Impact of Attitudes and Life Stage on Decline in Rates of Driver's License Acquisition by Young People in Melbourne,Australia

Abstract

In recent decades, young adults in North America, Australia, and much of Europe have become less likely to obtain a driver's license. Research into this trend is only recently emerging, yet it is likely to have important impacts on public transport and road planning. Little is known about the attitudes of young adults toward cars and driving and how these attitudes affect the decision of whether to acquire a driver's license. This paper presents the results of a survey of more than 200 young adults in Melbourne, Australia. The survey explores the relationship between possession of a driver's license and demographics, life stage, use of social media, and attitudes, as well as the reasons why some young adults do not have a driver's license. Although most young adults find that a car provides independence, they also see it as a big responsibility; they are much less likely to equate a car with success in life. Nondrivers say that they would rather spend money on other expenses and believe that they can get where they want to go without driving. The policy implications of the results are discussed, and future research directions are suggested.