Agreed, we wanted the freedom of driving ASAP!I'm normally not one to make generalizations about generations, but there is something up with the kids now. I don't understand not wanting to drive...even before I had a DL and a truck, I was riding around on a minibike to visit friends, etc. It was all about the freedom to travel for me.
I've got some friends that are now dealing with having kids in that age range. No inclination to drive, they seem to be one of the least rebellious generations yet...they have no problem just going places with mom and dad. I ride dirtbikes with some of those dads, their kids won't ride...not because of a genuine lack of interest, but rather because they will not get out of their comfort zone. One of them, a 16yo boy, told me that it's too scary to learn to drive and/or ride.
Not all is lost, a couple of my friends do have kids that ride. Those kids are the exact opposite, they live to ride and are now excited to start driving as well. These kids are "fearless" like I'd expect teens to be, they've grown up wearing casts, etc. The only thing I've noticed different, is the country kids around here are the more traditional "free-spirited" kids. My buddies that live down in the valley/towns are the ones with the soft kids.
I think part of it is now you are connected with technology even when you are apart....easier to send filtered pics from your bedroom than it is to get dressed up and go out.