A significant generational shift is occurring on Britain's roads, with new research revealing that almost a quarter of young adults cannot drive and are increasingly relying on taxis instead.
The Financial Roadblock
The survey, commissioned by temporary car insurance provider GoShorty, uncovered that 23% of 18 to 30-year-olds do not hold a driving licence. The primary barrier appears to be financial, with almost half (47%) admitting they would struggle to pay for driving lessons.
Beyond the initial lesson costs, an additional 13% of young people stated they cannot afford the ongoing petrol and vehicle upkeep, making car ownership seem impossible even if they obtained their licence.
Test Anxiety and Changing Attitudes
Psychological barriers are also preventing young Brits from getting behind the wheel. The research found that one in four (27%) are convinced they would not pass the theory test, while a fifth (20%) believe they have no chance of passing the practical exam.
Interestingly, 13% admitted to being nervous about driving, and the same proportion do not want to contribute to high traffic levels. A further 7% confessed they would be too self-conscious to park in front of people.
Urban living is also influencing driving habits, with 13% of city dwellers seeing no point in owning a car. Meanwhile, 7% openly admit they simply get Ubers everywhere.
The Social Cost of Not Driving
The inability to drive is having tangible social consequences for young adults. The research revealed that seven in ten (71%) have missed out on important life milestones due to their lack of driving ability.
Specifically, 46% have missed road trips with friends, 37% have struggled to attend family gatherings, and 33% find exploring off-the-beaten-track locations difficult. A further third (33%) admit their freedom has been restricted as they cannot travel wherever and whenever they want.
Despite these challenges, there's a notable generational shift in attitudes. While 90% of under-30s still consider learning to drive a rite of passage, broader public opinion suggests this is changing. Two-thirds (61%) of Britons believe Gen Z are less inclined to drive than previous generations, and 60% agree that learning to drive is becoming a less important life skill.
Phil Evans, Managing Director at GoShorty, commented: "Learning to drive has always been a milestone of independence, but for young adults it's starting to feel out of reach. We want to show it doesn't have to be, and that flexible, short-term learner insurance cover means you can build confidence at your own pace, by the side of someone you trust - without breaking the bank."
The survey of 2,000 Britons highlights the complex financial and psychological barriers facing young drivers today, marking what experts describe as a fundamental change in how younger generations view car ownership and mobility.
