Rising Costs Turn Off Young Drivers

Passing your driving test has long been an essential step on the road to adulthood. Now, however, a fall in employment and earnings is causing young people to forego the test altogether.

A study published by the Department for Transport has revealed a steady decline in the number of young drivers in the UK over the last 18 years. For 17-20 year olds the number was as low as 31% while in 1995 the figure was 43%.

It seems young men have been hit hardest, with a fall from 51% to 30% in less than two decades. The most obvious explanation is sky-high insurance costs for males under 25. There has also been a slump in young women with a driving licence – 36% in 1995 compared to 31% today. In keeping with the statistics, the number of 21-29 year olds without a full driving licence has also decreased.

Comments by Stephen Glaister, director at the RAC Foundation, place the blame on the economic downturn of the last five years.
‘Younger people were hit disproportionately hard by the downturn.

Even though employment is now rising, incomes are stagnant, and many are only in part-time work, and find running a car too expensive.’

Though buying a car is a big investment, it is perhaps not the greatest obstacle to learning to drive when we look a little closer. The second-hand Ford Fiesta is a popular option for first time drivers, and since 1995 its cost has risen in line with average earnings from £3,250 to £5,510 for a basic model today – roughly in line with average earnings over the same time period. But the soaring cost of insurance premiums, petrol prices and other running costs – not to mention driving lessons – can make learning to drive impossible for many young individuals.

The RAC Foundation’s UK Cost of Motoring Index reveals the cost of maintaining a car has risen 140% and petrol prices have rocketed 145%. Insurance has gone up 170%, with the average 17 year old now paying £1,997 per year on car insurance.

With numbers like this in mind, it is little wonder young people are turned off motoring. But can potential young drivers be proactive in reducing insurance costs? Here are a few top tips for any young motorist looking to hit the roads for the first time:

- Shop around and don’t always assume that third party cover is cheaper than a comprehensive policy
- Don’t add bodykits or retro fit items to your car, they can seriously affect your premium
- Add an experienced second driver to your policy, such as a parent or elder sibling. But do not add them as the first driver if you own it.
- Never lie on your policy documents
- Look into a multi-car policy for your family
- Ensure you can afford to insure a car model before you buy
- Add telematics to your vehicle – it could save you hundreds of pounds if you are proven to be a responsible driver

Are you a young driver? Been involved in a non-fault accident in the last three years? Call Winns today on 0800 988 6288 or access no obligation advice using our Live Chat facility.

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