Newer drivers face a range of hurdles which makes it more difficult to pass their test.
Nearly half of drivers reckon it’s ‘unfair’ how much tougher it is to pass a driving test compared to 10 years ago, research has shown. Those who recently passed their tests faced lengthier waits to book, difficulties finding an instructor and had to spread out lessons due to costs.
The study of 2,000 drivers found 60% of newer motorists agreed – as well as 42% of older licence holders. More than a quarter (28%) of new licence holders said delays in passing their test restricted their job prospects, and had an impact on their independence, with a quarter embarrassed to depend on others for lifts.
Ian Edwards, young driver expert at car insurance company Veygo by Admiral, which commissioned the study, said: “For many young people, a driving licence is the key to independence and opportunity, but right now the road to getting one is longer and more expensive than ever.
“Our research shows these delays aren’t just frustrating, but they’re genuinely holding people back.
“We want to help new drivers get on the road with confidence, and we’d encourage decision-makers to look at practical solutions like more examiners and flexible test times.”
The research found 68% of drivers who passed in the last five years felt increased pressure because of how long they would have to wait to re-test had they failed.
It was also found that newer drivers are older, with those who received their licence within the last five years averaging 27 years old, compared to 21 for drivers who passed before that time.
The costs are also escalating – drivers who passed in the past five years are shelling out nearly double the price for an hourly lesson. For those who passed more than five years ago, the average cost was £15.60. This has soared to £30.54 for those who have earned their licence since then.
Moreover, six in 10 new drivers were compelled to spread out their driving tests due to the cost, a situation only 29% of older drivers had to contend with.
Whilst 20% of newer drivers struggled to find a driving instructor whilst learning, this only applied to 3% of those who’ve held their licence for more than five years.
Overall, participants believe the best solutions to these issues include increasing the number of examiners (60%), offering weekend or evening tests (59%) and extending test centre opening hours (54%).
