Are insurance premiums driving youngsters off the road?

Even driving lessons reportedly cost more

Are insurance premiums driving youngsters off the road?

Motor & Fleet

By Terry Gangcuangco

If information from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is anything to go by, then it looks like less of the young generation are keen to drive these days.

The number of people aged 17 to 25 who take their driving test is down 18% compared to a decade ago, according to DVSA data reported by The Times. The report said some areas even posted a drop of about 50% – a sharp contrast to the increase in the number of licensed pensioners.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the 18-20 age group paid the highest average motor insurance premiums last year at £973. This high cost of insurance is seen as the likely deterrent for young drivers.

The cost of driving lessons has reportedly risen too.

“Ten years ago, a typical 17-year-old would have booked a driving lesson as soon as they were legally able, but today most young people simply cannot afford to drive,” said Honest John managing editor Daniel Powell.


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