After years of hearing about Gen Z putting off getting a license, we wanted to know if the next generation had the same attitude about driving. As the oldest members of Gen Alpha are getting ready to drive, we commissioned a survey of 1,000 teens ages 14-16 to get their thoughts about getting that first car.
Article Summary:
Nearly all Gen Alpha teens plan to get licenses – 80% already have a license or plan to get one as soon as they can, and just 2% say they won’t.
Most are excited to drive – More than two-thirds of surveyed teens are excited to drive, compared with about a quarter who feel nervous.
The in-person test drive still matters – 86% say it’s important to see, sit in, and test drive a car before their family buys it.
Families are the ones buying – 40% expect their family to purchase the car they’ll drive, more than any other option.
This school year, a new generation finally gets the keys. The oldest members of Gen Alpha (born starting in 2010) are turning 16 — and if you’ve got one of them at home, you already know how ready they are to drive. In a CarMax survey of 1,000 teens ages 14-16, more than two-thirds said they’re excited to hit the road, and they had a lot to say about independence, first cars, and more. For a lot of families, though, that first-car search can feel like more than they bargained for. That’s where we come in—with advice from a CarMax associate who is not just a car-shopping expert but a parent who’s navigated this milestone with her own family.
Is getting a license still a big deal for Gen Alpha?
How does Gen Alpha actually feel about driving?
What are teens looking forward to most?
Why seeing a car in person still matters
What Gen Alpha wants in a first car
How they are getting that first car
Is getting a license still a big deal for Gen Alpha?
If your teen is counting down the days until they can drive, they’re not alone. CarMax found that 80% of teens ages 14-16 plan to get their driver’s license as soon as they’re allowed or already have one, and just 2% say they’re skipping it altogether. For those who already have or plan to get their license, 75% call it a major life moment, and only 25% see it as just a practical thing they need to do.
How does Gen Alpha actually feel about driving?
Getting a license is one thing. Actually sharing the road with everyone else, every day, is a different story. When CarMax asked these teens how they feel about driving, almost half (46%) said they’re very excited, with another 21% somewhat excited. About a quarter admitted to feeling nervous instead.
The good news? Picking out that first car together can ease some of that tension for parents and teens alike. “We’re seeing a lot of families come in together, and that mix of excitement and nerves doesn’t go away once they’re on the lot,” says Corey Haire, Vice President of Regional Sales at CarMax. “Our job is to answer questions the parents and teens didn’t think to ask and make sure they feel confident with that car before they drive it home.”
What are teens looking forward to most?
Getting that first car isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s about freedom. When CarMax asked Gen Alpha teens who have or plan to get their license what they’re looking forward to most about driving, one answer came up again and again. Independence. Here are the most common responses:
Going wherever they want, whenever they want (33%)
Not asking mom and dad for rides anymore (31%)
Getting a job now that they can drive themselves to work (15%)
Why seeing a car in person still matters
There’s a common assumption that a generation that grew up with smartphones and social media would want the whole car-buying process to be online. But when CarMax asked, 86% of Gen Alpha teens said it’s very or somewhat important to see, sit in, and test drive a car before their family makes a vehicle purchase decision. Only 3% said it wasn’t at all important.
This is where CarMax comes in. Shop the full inventory online, then come see your top pick in person before you decide.
What Gen Alpha wants in a first car
Looks matter most when Gen Alpha teens think about their first car, and that’s probably no surprise. Those who have their license or plan to get it told CarMax they’re most excited about:
How it looks, inside and out (37%)
How well it drives (30%)
Fuel efficiency (13%)
Features (11%)
No matter what your teen is most excited about, having a wide variety to choose from helps. “That’s where selection matters,” says Haire. “Whether a family is looking for a practical commuter, a sporty sedan or a versatile SUV, CarMax offers a wide range of options with transparent pricing, helping teens find a vehicle they’re excited about and parents feel good about.”
How they are getting that first car
Expect to see plenty of families shopping for that first car together. Here’s how Gen Alpha teens think they’ll get their first car:
A new family purchase (40%)
A hand-me-down from a family member (28%)
Sharing the family car (25%)
No access to a car right away (5%)
Tips for families
Buying your teen’s first car can feel like a lot. Here are a few tips to help make it easier:
Involve your teen in the research – You may be surprised how much research they’ve already done online, checking out cars that might interest them. Ask what they’ve found and talk through their options.
Don’t skip the test drive – Get a feel for how the car drives and all of the features it has. Make sure it’s a car you and your teen can picture yourselves driving every day, rain, traffic, and all.
Look beyond the sticker price – Consider the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance when coming up with your budget. Before you start shopping, have an honest conversation about what you can realistically spend.
Find a car that fits their life – It’s not just about how a car looks. Think about what your teen is going to use it for. For example, if they’re going to be carrying a lot of sports equipment, make sure there’s plenty of trunk space.
Make sure you feel confident in your purchase – Review the car’s vehicle history report. Ask about inspections, return policies, and warranty coverage.
Getting that first car is a big milestone, and figuring out the right path can feel like a lot. “We know that Gen Alpha teens feel that getting their driver’s license is a major life milestone. Families should treat it like one, by making the car shopping experience feel like an exciting new chapter,” says Haire. “At CarMax, families can browse tens of thousands of vehicles from the comfort of their couch, then come in to sit in and test drive the ones that excite them most. And with honest, straightforward pricing and knowledgeable support along the way, both teens and their parents can focus on finding the right car they can count on."
Survey Methodology
The CarMax Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 US teens ages 14 to 16, between July 17 and July 29, 2026, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data has been weighted.
