Brits becoming too fearful to drive – expert tips on how to ease worries

New research by comparethemarket.com reveals the top reasons why some Brits who can’t drive never learnt and if they will ever take lessons in the future.

The top five reasons why people who can’t drive never learnt to do so are:

1. The cost of lessons/licences is too high (31%)
2. I can’t afford to buy a car and the extras e.g. insurance, MOT (31%)
3. I don’t want to drive (24%)
4. I’m scared of other drivers on the road (19%)
5. I’m scared of having an accident (19%)

Cost prevails as the main factor putting people off learning to drive, with almost a third (31%) saying the cost of lessons put them off from learning, and a further 31% of people say that they can’t afford to purchase a car or its running costs.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of Brits have said they simply don’t want to drive, and the fear of getting behind the wheel was another determining factor with nearly one fifth (19%) saying they’re scared of other drivers on the road and having an accident.

Two thirds (69%) of Brits have said they regret never learning to drive, and 40% don’t think they’ll ever learn.

There are considerable differences between male and female respondents too. Nearly a quarter (23%) of women claimed the main reason they never learnt to drive was that they’re scared of other drivers, while just 10% of men said the same. A further 22% of women admitted they’re scared of having an accident, but only 11% of men agreed.

Those aged between 18 – 24 have been financially hit hard by the pandemic, so it’s unsurprising that this age group said they’ve never learnt to drive due to affordability (28%).  Of that age group 69% are keeping positive and will look to learn to drive in the future.

For anyone who is nervous about learning to drive (once lessons resume) driving instructor John Parry, shares his top tips on how to beat the nerves:

Pick an instructor who’s right for you

Seek recommendations, speak to friends and family and check out local social media groups too. It’s a good idea too and may be worth dropping them a message to ask them about their experience with that instructor.

Don’t compare yourself to others

We all learn in different ways and at different speeds. COVID-19 has also meant that many learners have had to encompass a start/stop approach to their lessons due to the local and national lockdowns, which have also resulted in long delays when it comes to booking a test slot.

There’s nothing wrong with taking a week or two off from lessons

If you’re struggling, taking a couple of weeks off could help to refresh your mind, so you can get back behind the wheel even more determined.

Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance at comparethemarket.com said: “Our research shows that for the majority of people who can’t drive, the cost of buying a car and running it is the determining factor that puts people off learning, especially those aged between 18-24. For the 69% of 18-24 year olds who plan on learning to drive in the future, it’s worth noting that buying a car is likely to be more expensive than insurance. The pandemic hasn’t helped this and has forced many young people into financial difficulty, impacting their ability to fund the running costs of having a car. The easiest way to combat this is by switching. Our statistics indicate that 17 – 24 year olds can save over £200 by switching to a better deal on the market”.