Younger drivers are being put off by the rising cost of motoring, with less young adults applying for driving licences and having lessons.
The National Travel Survey revealed that only 38 per cent of adults aged between 17 and 20 held a licence in 2007, in comparison to 43 per cent in the late 1900’s.
Figures from the DVLA also show that there were 52,000 less applications for provisional driving licences this year.
The average cost of driving lessons with the AA is £22 for around 45 sessions. The practical test and theory test cost a total of £86.50, and by also buying a provisional licence, you’re looking at a total of around £1126 before you can legally drive.
Therefore, it seems that the added burdens of rising fuel costs and high insurance costs mean that learners are having to put it off.
Test impersonators
Some people, however, are trying to cut corners as there has also been an increasing number of driving test impersonators, where people sit the practical test on behalf of other people.
|
|
The DSA warns that people are being monitored however, and will be prosecuted further, with tougher sentencing by the courts.