A significant majority of British adults who do not hold a full driving licence believe that learning to drive is currently unaffordable, according to a new survey. The poll, conducted for car insurer Prima, reveals that seven in ten non-licence holders find the cost of driving lessons financially prohibitive.
Young Adults Hit Hardest by Costs
Among 18 to 29-year-olds without a licence, the figure climbs even higher, with 76 per cent stating that lessons are financially out of reach. This age group appears to be particularly affected by the economic barriers to obtaining a driving licence.
Primary Deterrents to Learning
The survey identified the cost of driving lessons as the biggest deterrent for 38 per cent of respondents. A further 32 per cent were put off by the price of buying a car, while 15 per cent cited the cost of car insurance as the main barrier to learning.
Nick Ielpo, UK country manager at Prima, commented on the findings, stating: "For a growing number of people, driving is no longer a symbol of freedom – it’s a financial stretch too far. Between lessons, buying a car and insuring it, the upfront and ongoing costs are pricing many people out before they even start."
Potential for Change if Costs Reduce
Almost half of those surveyed, 45 per cent, said they would consider learning to drive if it became significantly cheaper. This suggests that reducing the financial burden could encourage a substantial number of non-drivers to pursue a licence.
Survey Methodology
The poll was conducted by Find Out Now, which surveyed 1,134 adults who do not hold a full driving licence between January 21 and 23. The results highlight a growing concern about the accessibility of driving education in the UK.
Separate Case Highlights Legal Complexities
In a related development, a 91-year-old man with Alzheimer's has been convicted after the car he can no longer drive was left uninsured for less than two weeks. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) took him to court over an unpaid bill on his 10-year-old Renault Megane.
His son explained that his father's driving licence had been revoked due to his illness, and the vehicle was parked on a drive. He insured the car for five days to get it through an MOT in preparation for sale, and it was uninsured for 11 days afterwards while the sale was finalised.
Despite this explanation, the letter was insufficient to prevent his father's conviction for keeping a motor vehicle that does not meet insurance requirements. This case emerged from the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), a fast-track court process that allows magistrates to issue convictions in private hearings.
