Should Sophomores Drive?

Courtesy of Car Super Market

Once a high school student reaches sophomore year, they are confronted with many decisions, including whether or not to apply for their very own driver’s license. Many begin this process once they reach fifteen and a half, towards the middle of their sophomore year. However, many sophmores participate in extracurriculars, which can be far away and take large amounts of time out of their parents’ days and nights. 

After surveying students at the School, many young drivers received their license to gain more independence. In addition, students felt that they needed to stop asking others for rides, especially to help ease the lives of their parents and friends. Sophomore Evan Friedman recently got his license in December because he wanted the ability to go places without needing his parents to drive him, especially “when [they] are out and about.” 

Furthermore, many students feel pressured to get their license from their parents. Personally, my parents wanted me to get my license as soon as I could because it can be an important step toward independence, and learning to drive at a younger age allows drivers to be more confident on the road, so I got my permit exactly six months after I turned 15. 

For the students who have not started getting their license, there was a common theme of them not feeling the need to actually begin the process, with most students calling themselves “lazy.” Some have been unable to begin the process due to the cost that comes along with driver’s Ed, driving lessons, and the DMV. 

For many, the effort required to gain the license outweighs the independence granted. The majority of sophomores do not have their license yet despite being of age to acquire them. However, I believe that getting a driver’s license during the sophomore year is an important step in maturing toward adulthood and taking a heavy burden off of one’s guardians.