WOODBURY- As the new year rolls around more and more sophomores are turning 16 and setting their sights on driving. But with the high cost of owning a vehicle, and the associated costs that come with it, can Nonnewaug students afford all the responsibilities of having their license?
Having a license is more than just buying a car, it includes insurance, driver’s education, repairs, and gas. All of these costs, like most expenses, have increased in past years.
“Prices have gone up,” says NHS sophomore Dylan Diezel who plans on earning his permit this semester, “so it is harder for me to pay for gas.”
In January of 2020, before COVID hit, gas prices were only an average $2.44 per gallon nationwide per U.S. Department of Energy. But in June of 2022, gas prices hit an all-time high reaching an average $4.93 per gallon.
The price has gone down since then, now being the cost $3.04 in January of 2025.
For NHS students, buying gas is only part of the equation as affording a vehicle, for most students, is the most costly part of the driving calculus. According to Car Gurus, used car prices are down 2% since August, yet purchasing a pre-owned vehicle still remains out of reach for most NHS student drivers.
Can Nonnewaug’s future drivers afford the cost? Considering the time commitments of juggling sports, homework, after school activities and jobs, it’s especially difficult.
“I work two jobs.” says sophomore Ciara McBrien who will soon be 15 and has already started saving for driving “I have to pay for it all, it is really hard to manage my time.”
For the fortunate few students who are lucky to have parents help, the burdens of driving are lessened. For others, they get cars passed down from older siblings.
“I am getting my sister’s old car,” says sophomore Sadie Turchuk who is relieved to be inheriting a drivable vehicle. “Now I’m able to save and pay for all of the other things.”
Sophomore Avery Greaves can relate to Turchuk.
“My mom is giving me her old van until I can buy my own car,” said Greaves. “I invest into a bank account; it has helped me save for having a license.”
Insurance? That, too, has seen a precipitous rise. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, if young drivers paid $1,500 dollars in 2020 for single cover car insurance, today they would pay a whopping $2,315.84 dollars in 2024.
“I am paying for insurance, ” says Grace Hart, an NHS sophomore who hopes to be driving in the coming months. “My parents are helping with other things.”
Whatever the circumstances, NHS sophomores–and all soon-to-be drivers, are crunching the numbers and determining if they truly can afford to take the wheel.
“I have to take on extra shifts to make sure I can afford my license,” says Turchuk. “If I don’t, I’m not sure if I will ever be able to drive.”
