Learning to drive is a milestone for teens—and a nerve-wracking season for parents. With summer being one of the most popular times for teenagers to get their licenses, safety is top of mind. Sadly, an average of eight teen drivers die every day from motor vehicle injuries in the U.S. To help parents understand the risks and the safest places for new drivers, WalletHub released its report on 2025’s Best and Worst States for Teen Drivers.
WalletHub analyzed all 50 states using 23 key metrics—from driver fatalities and impaired-driving laws to road conditions and the cost of adding a teen to your insurance policy. Here’s what they found regarding young drivers and how these factors impact teen drivers specifically.
The Best and Worst States for Teen Drivers in 2025
Best States for Teen Drivers
- New York
- Oregon
- New Jersey
- West Virginia
- Kentucky
- Rhode Island
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- California
Worst States for Teen Drivers
41. Arkansas
42. South Dakota
43. Idaho
44. Alabama
45. Nebraska
46. North Dakota
47. Mississippi
48. Wyoming
49. Missouri
50. Montana
Key Takeaways from the Report
- Rhode Island has the fewest teen driver fatalities per 100,000 teens—12.7 times fewer than Wyoming, the state with the highest.
- Indiana’s excellent road conditions provide a safer environment for teen drivers as they rarely encounter poor or mediocre roads.
- Hawaii has the lowest premium increase for adding a teen to a parent’s auto insurance—34.3 times lower than Maine.
- New York has the fewest vehicle miles traveled per capita and ranks fifth-fewest in DUI arrests among younger drivers.
📊 See how your state ranks here: WalletHub’s full report
Why Teen Driving Is Risky
“Learning to drive is an exciting experience for teens, but the process is equally nerve-wracking for their parents,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. This highlights the importance of understanding how risky the journey can be for teen drivers.
Experts agree that risks for teenage drivers, including those distracted or overconfident, are amplified by their still-developing brains.
- “The crash risk of teenagers is directly related to their inattention, distraction, and overconfidence, combined with an undeveloped frontal cortex,” explains Panos D. Prevedouros, PhD, University of Hawaii at Mānoa.
- “Driving requires focus, avoiding distractions, making quick but thoughtful decisions, and placing safety at the forefront. These are skills that adolescent brains are still learning,” adds Penny Haney, Boston College.
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Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers
- Double the practice hours. Don’t just meet your state’s minimum requirements—give them extra driving practice in different weather and road conditions.
- Talk about the risks. Share statistics and stories to help them understand how serious driving can be. Teen drivers should be especially aware of common hazards.
- Enroll in specialty training. If you live in a state with harsh winters, consider a snow-driving course.
- Set firm rules. Limit night driving, passengers, and phone use. Consistency saves lives.
- Model safe driving. Your example is the most powerful influence on your teenage drivers.
Should the Driving Age Be Raised?
Experts are divided. Some argue that 18 would better align with brain development and reduce impulsive behavior seen in teen drivers. Others believe age is less important than training, supervision, and practice.
Teen Driving is Risky Everywhere
Whether you live in New York (ranked #1 for driver safety) or Montana (ranked #50), the truth is the same: teen driving is risky everywhere. Parents can’t control the laws or the road conditions in their state, but they can control how prepared their teen is before getting behind the wheel.
Teaching safe habits to youthful drivers, providing plenty of supervised practice, and setting firm family rules can make all the difference in ensuring teen drivers navigate roads safely.
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