A new study has revealed that Britons have been backing away from learning to drive after a rise in taxis and active travel has pushed driving into the back seat.
Research has discovered that almost a quarter of 18 to 30-year-olds throughout the UK still do not have a driving licence and have no desire to obtain one.
The findings paint a striking picture of a generation that, unlike their parents and grandparents, appears far less eager to get behind the wheel.
Instead, Britons have become more reliant on parents, public transport, or using an app to get around, research has revealed.
The research highlighted the enormous financial squeeze facing young Britons with learning to drive, once seen as an essential investment, now increasingly viewed as an unaffordable luxury.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of those without a licence warned that the cost of lessons was the main reason they haven’t learned, with hourly lesson prices now hitting record highs.
Meanwhile, 13 per cent say they couldn’t afford the ongoing costs of petrol, insurance and maintenance, even if they did have a licence.
On top of high costs, the lack of available driving test slots has also deterred young adults from taking up driving.
The report found that high fuel costs, car insurance prices and lack of driving test slots have prevented people from learning to drive
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PA/GETTYTo help with the rollout of more driving tests, the Department for Transport has unveiled new measures to reduce the backlog.
Last month, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explained that the authority would use military driving examiners to help deliver up to 6,500 more tests.
Ms Alexander said: “We inherited an enormous backlog of learners ready to ditch their L-Plates, who have been sadly forced to endure record waiting times for their tests. Every learner should have an equal and fair opportunity to take a test
“We’re taking decisive action, and these new measures will deliver thousands of extra tests over the next year, helping learners get on the road sooner. This will ease pressure on the system, removing barriers to opportunity and supporting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
The driving test backlog has impacted more than 670,000 people who are still waiting for a practical driving test
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PAWhile the measures are helpful, the study also exposed a surprising lack of confidence among young adults, with more than a quarter of non-drivers believing they would fail key aspects of the driving examination.
An additional 27 per cent said they fear they would fail the theory test, while one in five doubt they could pass the practical exam.
A further 13 per cent say they are too nervous to drive, with some even admitting they’d feel embarrassed simply trying to park while others watched.
Despite their hesitations, many young Britons acknowledge they are losing out by not driving, while seven in 10 said lacking a licence has caused them to miss important life experiences.
Learner drivers have been forced to wait months for a driving test
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PARoad trips with friends topped the list of missed opportunities, with 46 per cent stating that they have had to stay behind.
Family gatherings have also been harder to attend for 37 per cent, while a third say they’ve been unable to visit remote parts of the country that are difficult to reach without a car.
Phil Evans, managing director at GoShorty, said: “Learning to drive has always been a milestone of independence, but for many young adults, it’s starting to feel out of reach. We want to show it doesn’t have to be.
“Flexible, short-term learner insurance means you can build confidence at your own pace with someone you trust – without breaking the bank.”