Six million cash-strapped unqualified drivers admit they've considered driving illegally - as they're unable to cough up the £10,000 needed to get on the roads. Two thirds (61%) of non-drivers said they'd consider driving without a full licence due to the expense of lessons and car-running costs.
While one in five (19%) said they'd 'definitely' consider doing so due to cashflow problems - meaning up to two million across the country. The research, conducted by the experts at iCompario, surveyed 500 non-driving UK adults about their reasons for choosing not to be qualified. Those willing to risk it behind the wheel face severe repercussions if they're caught, including being slapped with a hefty fine and up to six points added to a future licence.
Those driving without both a full licence and insurance could be more heavily penalised if caught, with a further six- eight penalty points and a fine of up to £5,000 up for grabs. They could also face a potential driving ban. With so many non-qualified drivers willing to risk it behind the wheel due to the costs involved, iCompario calculated just how much Brits can expect to fork out in order to learn to drive in 2023.
According to the study, the average cost of learning to drive including lessons and both the theory and practical tests is £1,694. It's not just the costs associated with driving lessons that deter non-drivers from learning but also the cost of getting on the road independently - buying a car, car insurance premiums and fuel. iCompario calculated that it can cost a young driver £9,477 on average to learn to drive and subsequently run a car for the first year after passing their test.
A third (33%) of non-drivers revealed they want to drive but both the car and additional insurance costs are putting them off. Also, a third of young non-drivers (35%) wish to learn but can't afford to buy a car - with the average cost likely to set people back £4,500. This coupled with the average cost of fuel estimated to be more than £1,200 per year means drivers face another financial hurdle.
Learner driver Chloe Jones, a 30-year-old logistic manager, said the cost-of-living crisis is impacting her learning to drive. Chloe, from Cheshire, said: "Due to the cost of rising bills and the cost of lessons, I find it truly impossible to factor into my budget each month.
"Realistically, it may be six to 12 months or more before I begin learning to drive as saving currently is especially hard alongside essential bills.
"Costs associated with after learning to drive are putting me off too. The price per lesson is double what it was before covid and the price of fuel is so high that it's cheaper to get the train to work if need be."
Regionally, non-drivers in Newcastle were found to be the most sensible, with seven in ten (70%) drivers in the city stating that they would 'never' drive without a full licence. In comparison, the rising costs of driving wouldn't stop Belfast non-drivers getting behind the wheel.
According to the findings, a shocking eight in ten (82%) would consider driving without a full licence to save the money associated with learning to drive. The difference in opinion between the older and younger generations when it comes to driving without a licence is stark.
A whopping 86% of 55-64-year-olds would 'never' drive without a licence, compared to just 18% of 25-34-year-olds who ruled out driving without a licence at some point. When it comes to younger adults aged 18-24 that are non-drivers, nearly a third (32%) said they want to drive but simply can't afford to start lessons.
Almost a quarter (23%) of non-drivers were revealed to have already started their driving lessons but found themselves having to stop due to the cost of learning. Digital Director at iCompario Kerry Fawcett said: "The findings show the huge costs of learning to drive and costs of running a car are preventing non-drivers from taking lessons and, in some instances, even stopping after starting their lessons.
"Our study indicates that due to the costs of getting a full driving licence, many are willing to drive a vehicle without a licence and understandably this is something that should be avoided in under all circumstances. We advise anyone who doesn't hold a full license to opt for public transport, pay for a taxi or even ask for a lift from a family member or friend.
"Not doing so and instead risking it behind the wheel can not only be a huge danger to others, but you also run the risk of costly penalties and fines."
For more information, visit https://www.icompario.com/en-gb/guides/learner-driver-survey/
TOP FIVE UK CITIES WITH NON-DRIVERS MOST LIKELY TO DRIVE WITHOUT LICENCE DUE TO HIGH COSTS
1. Belfast – 82%
2. Bristol – 81%
3. Glasgow – 74%
4. London – 73%
5. Edinburgh – 73%
