Young Driver
Youngsters waiting longer to drive
Mon, 10 Oct 2005
First time drivers are waiting longer to pass their tests, says a report by motor insurance company More Than.
More youngsters are waiting until they are around 21 years of age before learning to drive, the report shows, rather than passing their tests immediately at the legal driving age of 17.
The introduction of driving theory tests and an increase in young people choosing to go to university have both been cited as possibilities for the wait.
Nearly one in ten new drivers are likely to opt for a brand new first car however, compared to just one in 100, 30 years ago.
"Cars are not only more affordable these days, but first time car buyers seem to be more image conscious and want the latest makes and models compared to a decade or so ago, when first time cars were often 'old bangers'," said head of insurance at More Than, David Pitt.
Mr Pitt advised young drivers to consider the cost of insurance premiums when choosing to put off driving tests. Premiums can be greatly reduced by the benefit of extra years of experience.
"Our suggestion to any new driver is to build up as many years without making a claim as possible as this can help to reduce premium costs. Experience helps to achieve discounts of up to 65 per cent on your policy in just four years of driving," he said.
© Adfero Ltd
