The effects of driver licensing laws on immigrant travel

Abstract Car use is critical to improving access opportunities, especially for low-wage immigrants whose jobs are dispersed and when transit service minimal. But many states have restricted the ability of undocumented obtain drivers licenses, making it potentially difficult them improve their economic standing. The effects these laws been tested association with traffic safety but not on mode choice itself. Using two most recent versions National Household Travel Survey, I fit a series difference-in-difference models estimate effect permissive immigrant driver licensing travel outcomes. Permissive increased rate giving rides by about 13% getting ride 6.5%, changes driving alone were insignificant. Results suggest has beneficial accessibility impacts all in addition positive externalities documented elsewhere.