According to a survey by Find Out Now, 70% of British adults without a full driving licence say learning to drive is currently unaffordable. The survey, which polled 1,134 adults who do not hold a full driving licence between January 21 and 23, found that 76% of 18 to 29-year-olds without a licence say driving lessons are financially out of reach. The cost of driving lessons was cited as the biggest deterrent by 38% of respondents, while 32% were put off by the price of buying a car, and 15% said the cost of car insurance was the main barrier.
" Despite these challenges, 45% of respondents said they would consider learning to drive if it became significantly cheaper. The specific costs making driving unaffordable, such as average lesson prices or insurance rates, were not detailed in the survey. Potential solutions to address this affordability issue have not been outlined in the available information.
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.