Not all states are created equal when it comes to road safety. Find out which states offer the best (and worst) conditions for new drivers, plus expert tips for staying safe on the road
- Wyoming, North Dakota, and Vermont lead the best U.S. states for teenage drivers
- California, Florida, and Texas lead as the most challenging states for young drivers.
- Responsible driving practices can help young motorists navigate safely regardless of location
For new drivers, the road to independence can be thrilling yet daunting.
But the experience varies significantly across the United States, with some states offering a more favorable environment for young motorists than others, as the data below reveals.
“Though certain states make driving easier or more difficult for young and new drivers, they can level the playing field by following responsible driving practices,” says automotive expert Crystal Voogd, from 5 Star Car Title Loans.
She explains the best and worst states for young drivers in the United States, highlighting the safest states for new drivers, contrasting them with the most challenging ones.
Top 10 Best U.S. States for Young Drivers
Data on each state’s vehicle theft rates, traffic fatalities, DUI arrests, congestion time, weather-related fatalities, gas prices, and insurance premiums, was collected by an independent third party, and then given a weighted score and ranked. Below are the top 10 states for young drivers in the US.
| RANK | STATES | MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT (Under 18 years-2019) | TRAFFIC FATALITIES (2021) | DUI ARRESTS (Under 18 years- 2019) | Average hours spent in congestion per commuter (2019) | Fatalities where rain, snow or sleet was present (2021) | Gas prices (in USD) (2024) | Avg. annual min. coverage premium (in USD) (2024) | Overall Score |
| 1 | Wyoming | 31 | 110 | 36 | 9 | 102 | 3.35 | 263 | 287 |
| 2 | North Dakota | 59 | 101 | 23 | 5 | 85 | 3.42 | 374 | 282 |
| 3 | Vermont | 14 | 74 | 15 | 30.6 | 69 | 3.39 | 298 | 280 |
| 4 | Hawaii | 9 | 94 | 20 | 6.9 | 94 | 4.72 | 395 | 276 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 17 | 118 | 34 | 25 | 106 | 3.3 | 456 | 265 |
| 6 | Alaska | 52 | 67 | 22 | 7.2 | 59 | 4.28 | 518 | 261 |
| 7 | Maine | 33 | 153 | 26 | 39 | 135 | 3.39 | 400 | 245 |
| 8 | South Dakota | 79 | 148 | 60 | 20.8 | 131 | 3.37 | 350 | 241 |
| 9 | Alabama | 2 | 983 | 0 | 18.5 | 885 | 3.23 | 490 | 240 |
| 10 | West Virginia | 3 | 280 | 4 | 9 | 257 | 4.69 | 549 | 239 |
“Wyoming tops the list as the best state for young drivers,” Crystal reveals, “followed closely by North Dakota and Vermont.”
These states boast lower traffic fatalities, fewer DUI arrests among under-18s, and less time spent in traffic congestion.
Wyoming, for instance, reported only 31 motor vehicle thefts by under-18s in 2019 and a mere 9 hours spent in congestion per commuter annually.
Crystal notes, “States like Wyoming and North Dakota offer young drivers a less stressful environment to hone their skills. Lower population density means less traffic, which can be ideal for beginners.”
Other states in the top 10 include Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Alaska, all characterized by relatively low traffic fatalities and DUI arrests among young drivers.
10 Worst U.S. States for Young Drivers
| RANK | STATES | MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT (Under 18 years-2019) | TRAFFIC FATALITIES (2021) | DUI ARRESTS (Under 18 years- 2019) | Average hours spent in congestion per commuter (2019) | Fatalities where rain, snow or sleet was present (2021) | Gas prices (in USD) (2024) | Avg. annual min. coverage premium (in USD) (2024) | Overall Score |
| 1 | California | 1164 | 4285 | 464 | 62.6 | 3983 | 5.39 | 651 | 34 |
| 2 | Florida | 2062 | 3378 | 118 | 40.4 | 3451 | 3.51 | 1094 | 53 |
| 3 | Texas | 1041 | 4,498 | 281 | 54 | 4068 | 3.23 | 699 | 77 |
| 4 | Arizona | 328 | 1180 | 130 | 32.6 | 1063 | 4.1 | 770 | 86 |
| 5 | Michigan | 279 | 1,136 | 132 | 25 | 1072 | 3.54 | 907 | 93 |
| 6 | New York | 352 | 1,157 | 55 | 30 | 1099 | 3.47 | 1589 | 100 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 98 | 1,230 | 79 | 58 | 1153 | 3.7 | 526 | 110 |
| 8 | Virginia | 172 | 973 | 68 | 61 | 906 | 3.47 | 677 | 114 |
| 9 | Maryland | 561 | 561 | 45 | 97 | 522 | 3.64 | 935 | 115 |
| 10 | Georgia | 63 | 1797 | 26 | 56 | 1670 | 3.4 | 867 | 121 |
On the flip side, California ranks as the most challenging state for young drivers, followed by Florida and Texas. These states face higher rates of motor vehicle theft by minors, more traffic fatalities, and significantly more time spent in congestion.
“In states like California, young drivers face a baptism by fire,” Crystal explains. “Super heavy traffic, higher theft incidents, and more fatalities will definitely create a more demanding and tense environment for inexperienced drivers.”
California reported 1,164 motor vehicle thefts in under-18s in 2019 and an average of 62.6 hours spent in congestion per commuter annually.
Florida and Texas show similar trends, with high numbers of traffic fatalities and motor vehicle thefts.
Factors Influencing the Rankings
The rankings consider various factors, including motor vehicle thefts by minors, traffic fatalities, DUI arrests among under-18s, time spent in traffic congestion, weather-related fatalities, gas prices, and insurance premiums.
Crystal points out: “It’s not just about traffic. Weather conditions, insurance costs, and even gas prices play a role in how challenging a state can be for young drivers.”
Tips for Young Drivers in Challenging States
For young drivers in less favorable states, Crystal offers some advice.
Practice defensive driving
Anticipate the actions of other drivers and maintain a safe following distance. Always anticipate potential hazards, especially in high-traffic areas.
Minimize distractions
Put away your phone while you are driving. Texting, as most experts would say, is the most alarming distraction while you are on the road.
Stay informed
Keep abreast of traffic reports and weather conditions to avoid congested and hazardous areas.
In states with frequent adverse weather, learn how to handle different conditions.
Know your insurance
Understand your coverage, especially in states with higher premiums.
Plan your routes
In congested areas, plan your trips to avoid peak traffic times when possible.
Regular Maintenance
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition to handle challenging driving conditions.
While some states present more challenges than others, responsible driving practices can help young motorists navigate safely regardless of location.
As Crystal says, “The key is to stay alert, follow traffic laws, and continuously improve your skills, no matter where you’re driving.”
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About 5 Star Car Title Loans
5 Star Car Title Loans provides fast, easy, secure car title loans. The company offers a streamlined application process that allows customers to apply online or over the phone, providing instant approval based on the equity in their vehicle. Applicants can keep driving their car while repaying the loan, which ranges from $2,600 to $20,000. The company caters to individuals with varying credit backgrounds, including those with bad credit. The goal of 5 Star Car Title Loans is to offer quick financial relief to customers facing unexpected expenses, ensuring a hassle-free experience with flexible repayment options and no penalties for early repayment.
Methodology
For the data on best and worst states, metrics such as motor vehicle theft rates among drivers under 18 years old in 2019, traffic fatalities in 2021, DUI arrests under 18 in 2019, average hours spent in congestion per commuter in 2019, fatalities involving rain, snow, or sleet in 2021, 2024 gas prices, and average annual minimum coverage premiums for insurance were considered. Each state received a ranking based on weighted score reflecting these factors, with higher scores indicating better conditions for young drivers.
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
