Fewer young people learning to drive due to lack of finances
Young people are currently finding it difficult to learn to drive as they do not have the necessary finances required to do so, according to research …
Young people are currently finding it difficult to learn to drive as they do not have the necessary finances required to do so, according to research conducted by insurance firm Marmalade.
The company surveyed youths on its Facebook page, asking them to share their single biggest reason for not learning this year and their money situation dominated the answers.
Summertime is usually a peak time of year for people to get behind the wheel and begin learning but there has been a distinct drop in 2013.
Figures from the Department for Transport show the number of 17 year olds taking their test has dropped by 17 per cent since 2007/2008 from 386,162 in 2007/8 to 317,939 in 2011/2012.
Some 43 per cent of respondents said it was lack of finances and the rising cost of learning to drive that was holding them back, while others said they were happy to stick to public transport.
Others blamed their parents for not allowing them to practise in the family car, which may be a result of rising insurance costs for provisional drivers.
Typically, parents have been known to help their children out with driving lessons, but as the cost of living rises they no longer have the funds available to do so.
Crispin Moger, managing director at Marmalade, said: "I don’t think we should be surprised by these answers. Many young people are still studying or trying to get started on the jobs ladder so money is extremely tight.
“Soaring costs seem to be transforming this generation’s attitude to driving," he added.
Marmalade gave some helpful tips to those looking to start driving soon, such as looking for separate learner insurance policies that may be cheaper than adding a young driver to an existing policy. This also means it will not risk the no claims bonus of whoever owns the car.
Shopping around is always a good idea and there are plenty of choices of instructors and insurances to analyse. It's worth taking the time to ensure you have found the best deal possible.
By Joe White
