A surreal image representing the choices and risks associated with underage driving.

Underage Wheels: Unpacking the Risks of Adolescent Driving in Brazil

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the prevalence and factors behind underage driving in Brazil, revealing why this risky behavior demands urgent attention."

Driving is a rite of passage for many, but what happens when young people get behind the wheel before they're legally allowed? In Brazil, the issue of adolescent driving is a significant concern, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Understanding the scope of the problem and the factors that contribute to it is the first step toward creating safer roads for everyone.

Transport accidents are a leading cause of death for young people worldwide. In Brazil, land transport accidents are the number one killer of women aged 10-19 and the second leading cause of death for men in the same age group. Studies show that unlicensed drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, often due to inexperience and risky behaviors.

This article delves into the findings of a recent study that examined the prevalence of underage driving among Brazilian students and the associated risk factors. By understanding the factors, we can work toward effective policies and interventions to protect young people and the wider community.

Behind the Wheel Too Soon: How Big Is the Problem?

A surreal image representing the choices and risks associated with underage driving.

A 2012 study called the National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE) offers a revealing snapshot of underage driving in Brazil. The survey looked at students under 18 and found that a significant percentage had driven a motorized vehicle (cars, motorcycles, or boats) in the 30 days before the survey.

The study revealed that 27% of students admitted to driving a motorized vehicle in the past 30 days. Even more concerning, nearly 13% reported driving frequently - four or more times in that same period. It's crucial to remember that the legal driving age in Brazil is 18, making these behaviors illegal and dangerous.

Age Matters: As students get closer to the legal driving age, the likelihood of them driving increases.
Gender Gap: Boys are significantly more likely to drive than girls.
Regional Differences: Underage driving is more common in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.

These statistics highlight the urgent need to address underage driving in Brazil. It's not just about enforcing the law; it's about understanding the underlying causes and implementing strategies to change behavior.

Road Safety Starts Now: How Can We Protect Young Drivers?

The PeNSE study underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle underage driving in Brazil. Simply telling young people not to drive isn't enough. We need to address the root causes of this behavior and create a culture of road safety.

The study identified several factors that contribute to underage driving, including:

<ul><li>Socioeconomic factors: Students from families with higher maternal education and those who own a car or motorcycle are more likely to drive underage.</li><li>Regional disparities: Underage driving is more prevalent in the North and Northeast regions, possibly due to limited access to public transportation and less stringent enforcement of traffic laws.</li><li>Risky behaviors: Underage drivers are also more likely to consume alcohol and not use seatbelts, compounding the risks.</li></ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1809-4503201400050002, Alternate LINK

Title: Adolescent Drivers In Brazil: Prevalence And Associated Factors Estimated From The National Adolescent School-Based Health Survey (Pense 2012)

Subject: Epidemiology

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Elisabeth Carmen Duarte, Leila Posenato Garcia

Published: 2014-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why is underage driving in Brazil considered a significant issue?

Underage driving in Brazil is a significant concern because it poses potentially life-threatening consequences. Transport accidents are a leading cause of death for young people globally, and in Brazil, land transport accidents are a major cause of death for both young women and men. Unlicensed drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents due to inexperience and risky behaviors. Addressing this issue is vital for road safety and protecting young people.

What specific data does the PeNSE survey provide regarding underage driving?

The National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE) provides valuable data on underage driving in Brazil. The survey's findings revealed that 27% of students under 18 admitted to driving a motorized vehicle in the 30 days before the survey. Moreover, nearly 13% of these students reported driving frequently, highlighting the prevalence of this risky behavior among Brazilian adolescents.

What are the key factors associated with underage driving in Brazil?

Key factors associated with underage driving in Brazil include age, gender, and regional differences. As students approach the legal driving age, their likelihood of driving increases. Boys are significantly more likely to drive than girls, and underage driving is more common in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

How can Brazil address the issue of underage driving effectively?

The PeNSE study underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach to address underage driving in Brazil. It is not sufficient to simply tell young people not to drive. A comprehensive strategy involves understanding the underlying causes of this behavior and creating a culture of road safety. Effective policies and interventions are required to protect young people and the wider community.

What are the broader implications of underage driving in Brazil?

The implications of underage driving in Brazil extend beyond individual risk. The high rates of accidents involving unlicensed drivers contribute to the leading cause of death among young people in Brazil. Addressing the problem requires a focus on education, enforcement of laws, and addressing the root causes of this behavior to promote safer roads and protect the lives of young people and the community.