New York Named Best State For Teen Drivers in Country

New York State has been recognized for the second year in a row as the best state in the country for teen drivers, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee says. The recognition comes after a recent traffic safety analysis of all 50 states. 

“Teen drivers crash primarily because of inexperience, inattention, impairment and nighttime driving,” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. “In response, New York State has adopted a series of programs and rules to target these risky practices to better prepare youth and keep them off the road  until they’ve gained some quality driving time. We’re thrilled to achieve this ranking, and we will continue to educate young people to be safe and responsible drivers.” 

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) says the state was at the top of the 2025 WalletHub study as the best state for teen drivers and second for both teen driver safety and teen driving laws. The state earned recognition for having the second fewest teen driver fatalities per capita, fourth-lowest percentage of drivers who use a phone while driving, and third lowest prevalence of poor turning. 

New York was also recognized for having the most driving schools per capita, and fifth fewest teen DUI arrests. According to the GTSC, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens aged 16 to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2023, in New York State teen drivers were over-represented  in crashes: 7% of the drivers involved in crashes were ages 16-20, while representing only 4% of all licensed drivers.