A recent study by Newsbeat has shown that the number of young people learning to drive has dropped dramatically since 2005, with a 19% decrease over the 6-year period. This equates to 200,000 drivers.
The reasons for the drop in numbers are, sadly, fairly obvious. Rising insurance costs, changes to both the practical driving test and theory tests with the introduction of independent driving and the hazard perception test, and of course the increases in the cost of driving lessons, have all contributed.
Driving is now, more than ever, seen as a key part of our culture, and many schools and jobs require you to have your own transport. But never has it been so hard to pass your test and become a qualified driver.
Given the economic situation, it’s understandable that driving schools want to continue to make a profit – but the price increases (which have risen from an average of £18 per lesson to £23 since 2005) haven’t encouraged potential learners to start lessons. The price of fuel hasn’t helped matters either.
Insurance is now at an all-time high for young drivers, with premiums as much as £4,000 for some male drivers. Furthermore, EU directives plan to bring female and male insurance premiums up to an equal rate – meaning a potentially massive increase in costs for women drivers.
The overall cost of learning to drive has risen by 33% in the past 6 years, while the cost of running a car has risen by 46%. Even for experienced drivers, the cost of driving is bordering on unreasonable.
Sadly, with the government and EU making all the important decisions, there’s very little the average person can do to get themselves a better deal.
Driving test tips, information and advice from The Driving Tests.co.uk
