Non-qualified drivers are considering breaking the law

According to recent research, as many as six million non-qualified drivers in the UK have admitted to considering driving illegally due to the costs associated with obtaining a full driving licence.

The study, which surveyed 500 non-driving UK adults, found that two-thirds (61%) of those who have not yet obtained a licence said they would consider driving without one due to the expense of lessons and car-running costs.

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The risks and penalties involved

While many non-drivers are deterred by the costs associated with learning to drive, those who choose to take the risk of driving without a full licence face severe repercussions if they are caught.

They may be fined and have up to six points added to a future licence, and those driving without both a full licence and insurance could face even steeper penalties, including a fine of up to £5,000 and the potential for a driving ban.

The high price of learning to drive

The study also found that the average cost of learning to drive, including lessons and both the theory and practical tests, is £1,694. However, the costs associated with driving go beyond just the expense of lessons.

Purchasing a car, paying for car insurance premiums, and fuel costs can all be significant financial hurdles, with the average cost of running a car for a year after passing the driving test estimated to be around £9,477 for young drivers.

Financial barriers preventing many from obtaining a full licence

These financial barriers to driving are having a significant impact on non-drivers, with a third of those surveyed stating that the costs of both buying a car and paying for additional insurance are preventing them from learning to drive.

Additionally, a third of young non-drivers said they would like to learn but cannot afford to buy a car, which is estimated to cost around £4,500 on average. Fuel costs of over £1,200 per year add another financial hurdle for drivers to overcome.

The rising cost of living in the UK has made it increasingly difficult for people to factor the expense of learning to drive into their monthly budgets.

Generation gap: How attitudes to driving without a licence differ between age groups

It was also found that there is a significant difference in opinion between younger and older generations when it comes to driving without a licence, with just 18% of 25-34-year-olds ruling out the possibility of driving without a licence at some point, compared to 86% of 55-64-year-olds who would “never” do so.

Conclusion

The high costs associated with learning to drive and running a car are causing significant financial strain for many people in the UK, leading to many non-qualified drivers considering driving illegally.

However, driving without a licence is illegal and extremely dangerous and can result in severe penalties and fines.

It is important for those who do not hold a full driving licence to opt for alternative modes of transport, such as public transport, taxis, or lifts from family and friends.