Learners put off by insurance costs

05/08/11
Shane Gladstone

Figures have shown that the number of young people learning to drive has fallen sharply since 2005.

The number of 17 to 22-year-olds taking driving tests has dropped 19%, according to statistics seen by Newsbeat.

The percentage shows that more than 200,000 fewer young people are getting behind the wheel for their test - with the fall attributed to the rising cost of lessons and insurance.

Cart insurance now costs at least £4,000 for the average 17-year-old - compared to a figure of £2,500 five years ago.

It was the cost involved that was stopping almost two thirds of young non-drivers from getting behind the wheel, according to a Government study.

Former learner driver Chris gave up when he could no longer keep up with the prices.

The 20-year-old told the BBC: "I don't have the money to spend on driving lessons so it's quite difficult because it means I have to rely on public transport such as the buses or getting lifts from my parents."

Simon Douglas from the AA said: "It doesn't matter what age you learn to drive, the longer you spend behind the wheel the better you'll be as a driver."