U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #391: September 26, 2005
Miles Traveled by Age of Driver

The 18-to-22-year-old age group had the highest annual miles traveled (14,200 miles) and spent an average of $862 per vehicle for fuel, according to the 2001 National Household Travel Survey. The 30-to-39-year-old age group spent the most on fuel — an average of $893 per vehicle.

Travel and Fuel Expenditures by Age of Driver
Graph showing annual miles traveled by age group.
Graph showing fuel expenditure per vehicle by age group.

Supporting Information

Average Vehicle Miles Traveled by Age of Driver
Age of Primary Driver Average Vehicle
Miles of Travel
per Vehicle		 Average Fuel
Expenditure per
Vehicle
16 to 17 years 11,600 $701
18 to 22 years 14,200 $842
23 to 29 years 14,100 $862
30 to 39 years 13,600 $893
40 to 49 years 13,000 $860
50 to 59 years 11,900 $790
60 to 69 years 10,000 $685
70 to 79 years 7,600 $523
80 years and older 6,000 $413
All 12,000 $787

Source: Energy Information Administration, "Household Vehicles Energy Use: Latest Data and Trends."

 

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