Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ Turns Five: David Byrne Cover, Vinyl

It’s time to strap in: Olivia Rodrigo is celebrating the fifth anniversary of her historic smash hit “Drivers License.” Back in 2021, the child actress stepped into the pop world with her melancholic debut single and drove straight into the stratosphere. At 17, she became the youngest person to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. Now, Rodrigo is commemorating that milestone with special versions of the song.

To start, Rodrigo dropped a cover of “Drivers License” from none other than David Byrne. In an Instagram post announcing the reimagine versions, Rodrigo called the Talking Heads frontman “one of my all-time heroes.” “David is nothing short of a legend and I actually cried when I heard his version of this song,” Rodrigo wrote.

Last year, Byrne joined Rodrigo for her headlining set at the Governors Ball, where the two sang an electric cover of “Burning Down the House.” Byrne is returning the favor with his own cover from Rodrigo’s catalog, which is available to stream across all platforms. According to a press release, Byrne’s cover marks the first in a series of covers tied to the fifth anniversary of Rodrigo’s debut album Sour.

In addition to the digital cover of “Drivers License,” Rodrigo announced special vinyl exclusives tied to the anniversary. The first includes Byrne’s cover, and highlights from Rodrigo’s Gov Ball set. Notably, the 7″ vinyl will be pressed on translucent ruby vinyl, a departure from the singer’s signature purple. Fans can now pre-order the vinyl on Rodrigo’s website.

Target will also be releasing their own exclusive vinyl. Pressed on fruit punch color vinyl, that version will include the original recording of “Drivers License” and Rodrigo’s live rendition of the song from her Gov Ball set.

In a separate Instagram post honoring the “Drivers License” anniversary, Rodrigo reflected on the track’s lasting impact. “This song has totally changed my life in ways I still can’t totally wrap my head around,” she wrote. “I’m forever grateful for this magical chapter and I can’t wait to scream red lights stop signs with u guys at every concert I play for the rest of my life,” she added. It’s something Rodrigo has been thinking about for years. When asked if she could picture herself performing her breakout hit for decades to come in her 2023 Rolling Stone cover story, Rodrigo said,  “That heartbreak that you feel when you’re young, thinking about singing that song when I’m Stevie Nicks’ age … it’s really powerful.”

As Rodrigo celebrates both the fifth anniversary of her breakout hit and debut LP Sour, she’s also planning for a loaded year. The singer has seemingly teased her third album with a glittery red “3” shirt, and has confirmed she’s been busy in the studio. “I won’t say too much, but I think 2026 is going to be a busy year for me,” she told Nylon.

“Drivers License” 7″ Vinyl Track List
Side A – “Drivers License” (david byrne version)
Side B – burning down the house (live at gov ball)

Target Exclusive Tiny Vinyl
Side A – “Drivers License”
Side B – “Drivers License (Live at Gov Ball)”