Young U.K. Residents Not Driven to Drive, Poll Shows

There’s little good news in the U.K. for everybody from automakers to driving schools in a new study finding most of the next generation of drivers not taking to the road until the mature age of 26.

The survey by online automotive marketer Auto Trader and RED Driving School finds getting on the road is being put off by the majority of first-time drivers, with most of them waiting almost a decade from being legally able to drive.

It shows 44% of drivers hitting the road for the first time are over the age of 25 and there’s been a 21% drop in 17- to 20-year-olds taking their driving test in the past nine years.

Among those over 25 years old, 56% claim they expected to be driving at a much earlier age with 11% stating they’re still trying to get on the road despite starting at the age of 17.

The June survey covered 1,500 first-time drivers.

Auto Trader Editor-in-Chief Jon Quirk says the research shows getting on the road can be a daunting experience for first-time drivers, and it’s something that becomes a bigger challenge over time.

Some 48% of first-time drivers 25 and over blaming the delay on getting on the road cite the cost as the biggest roadblock to getting their vehicle, but Quirk says there arguably has never been a better time to take to the road in a vehicle that matches both daily needs and monthly budgets.

The survey found 60% of first-time drivers said having more information and guidance would make getting on the road easier.

For the majority of first-time drivers over 25, Auto Trader says it appears the motivations for driving also change with time – 43% say family needs are one of the main drivers, while 29% say they just want to get it over and done with.

Cost is a primary concern for 17-20 year olds, Auto Trader says, but 52% of new drivers over 25 list a lack of confidence as their main consideration, with not knowing how long the process of learning to drive takes as their second-biggest worry.