Study by Ipsos
An “overwhelming majority” of young people aged 17 to 24 expect to be driving regularly in the future.
Aside from those unable to drive because of a disability of health condition, more than 8 out of 10 (85%) think it is certain or likely they will be driving a car or van at least once a week by 2035, even though only little over half (56%) currently do so now.
The numbers are revealed in a survey by Ipsos for the RAC Foundation.
Over three quarters of those aged 17–24 questioned as part of this survey had some form of valid UK driving licence, either full (49%) or provisional (27%).
The most common reasons given by those questioned for believing they will start driving include an expectation their lifestyles will require it and a belief that driving will be more convenient for them than either public transport or active travel (such as walking and cycling).
Amongst those questioned who had not taken a driving test the most common reasons given for not doing so were:
- Cost of lessons (33%)
- Cost of buying, leasing or hiring a car (26%)
- Lack of time (26%)
- Driving not a priority (23%)
Previous research carried out by the RAC Foundation has shown the importance knowing how to drive can be to securing a job.
The survey was conducted using the Ipsos Access Panel with fieldwork taking place between 3 and 22 November 2022. A total of 1,000 British adults aged 17–24 were surveyed, with quotas set on gender, age bands, working status, and region. Data were also weighted by gender, age, work status, and region to reflect the British population aged 17–24.
