UK young driver statistics 2025
Our analysis of the most up-to-date young driver statistics found that 2.8 million drivers aged 17-24 currently have a licence in the UK.
Our report crunches the numbers and outlines the latest young driver facts and stats for 2025, including the number of young drivers in the UK and the average car insurance cost for new drivers. We touch upon the varying factors that can influence this, such as young driver accident statistics and their broader driving habits.
Top 10 must-know UK young driver statistics 2025
- There are an estimated 2.5 million drivers aged 17-24 in the UK.
- Around one in five young drivers in the UK don’t own a vehicle.
- The average cost of young driver insurance in the UK is £2,217.
- The highest average car insurance premiums for young drivers tend to be in London (£3,108 per year), almost double the typical cost of those in the South West.
- Young males tend to pay around 35% more for their car insurance than young females.
- The cost of insurance for a Peugeot as a young driver is approximately 30% cheaper than that of a BMW.
- Males under 24 are almost twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash while speeding compared to females of the same age.
- Young car driver deaths make up about a fifth of all deaths on UK roads.
- Just under half of UK young drivers pass their test on the first attempt.
- Three-quarters of driving test centres in Great Britain have now reached the maximum 24-week waiting time for booking a practical test.
How many young drivers are there in the UK?
According to UK government data, young people aged between 17 and 24 account for around 7% of all full licence holders nationwide.
With an estimated 2.5 million drivers aged 17-24 in the UK, this means that more than two-fifths (44%) of people in this age group are eligible to drive.
The driving licence rate of 17-24-year-olds is considerably lower than the rest of the adult population, with nearly double the percentage (86%) of people aged 40-49 having licences.
Furthermore, an estimated additional 2.1 million young car drivers in the UK have a provisional licence.
Estimated number of UK driving licence holders by age group and year
As of 2023, there were an estimated 4.67 million people aged 29 and below in the UK with a driving licence. More than four-fifths (83.5%) of these were aged 21 to 29.
This represents a 3.1% increase from 2003, when the respective total for the 17 to 29 age group stood at 4.53 million.
Estimated proportion of UK driving licence holders by age group and year
As of 2023, around 2% of those with a driving licence were aged 17-20. This represents a 0.39 percentage point decline from 2003. Similarly, around 11.3% of the UK driving licence population were aged 21 to 29 in 2023 (a drop of 2.36 percentage points in the past 20 years).
How many young male and female drivers are there in the UK?
As of 2023, there were approximately 400,000 young male drivers in the UK aged 17-20 with a driving licence, around 30,000 more than females of the same age.
Similarly, there were an estimated 2.02 million male young drivers aged between 21-29, resulting in a total of 2.42 million males under the age of 30 with a full UK driving licence. This represents around 160,000 more than the number of UK female drivers aged 17-29.
The estimated number of males with a UK driving licence over time (2003-23)
Since 2003, the number of young male drivers in the UK has fluctuated. Back in 2004, there were an estimated 2.36 million male drivers under the age of 29. By 2020, this figure had reached a peak of around 2.78 million – an increase of 17.8%.
The estimated number of females with a UK driving licence over time (2003-23)
As of 2023, there were approximately 2.26 million young female drivers aged 17-29 in the UK.
Since 2003, the estimated number of young female drivers in the UK has fluctuated between the low of 2004 (2.05 million) and the high of 2020 (2.66 million). This means there are around 10% more young female drivers on UK roads in 2023 compared to 2004.
The estimated proportion of males with a UK driving licence over time (2003-23)
As of 2023, more than 29% of males aged 17-20 held a full UK driving licence. This figure jumped to 61% for those aged 21-29.
This is a noticeable decrease from 1975-76, when just 36% of men aged 17-20 and 78% of the 21-29 UK male population were legally able to drive.
The percentage of young males holding a driving licence has fluctuated since 2003, reaching a low in 2021, when less than one in five males aged 17-20 possessed a licence. This respective figure was more than double just 14 years earlier, highlighting a general decline over time in the number of young males obtaining a driving licence.
The estimated proportion of females with a UK driving licence over time (2003-23)
As of 2023, 28% of females in the UK aged 17-20 held a driving licence, with a corresponding figure of just 58% for the UK’s 21-29 female population.
This represents a significant increase from 1975-76, when just one in five women aged 17-20 had a driving licence, and approximately two in five of those between 21-29 were able to drive, both the lowest figures on record.
After multiple years of fluctuations, the percentage of young female drivers aged 17-20 reached a peak in 2018, when 38% women in this age group held a driving licence. That said, 2020 saw the largest percentage to date of women aged 21-29 who were eligible to drive (70%).
Vehicle and licence ownership statistics of UK young drivers
According to a report from Ipsos, around one in five young drivers in the UK don’t own a vehicle.
UK young driver vehicle ownership statistics
The report also found that:
- Less than two in five young drivers own one vehicle
- One in four drivers aged 17-24 owns two vehicles
- Almost a sixth have three or more vehicles to their name
UK young driver licence ownership statistics
Survey data shows that just under half of young drivers questioned in 2023 held a full UK driving licence.
Just over a quarter of those aged 17-24 had a provisional driving licence, with less than a fifth having no licence at all.
The most common reasons for young people in the UK not learning to drive
According to recent figures from the UK government, the most popular reason for young people not learning to drive is due to the cost, cited by almost two-fifths of 17 to 20-year-olds and a third of those aged 21 to 29.
What factors reduce the likelihood of young people learning to drive in the UK?
Similarly:
- Almost three in 10 young people cite the cost of insurance as a deciding factor when it comes to driving, with similar numbers relating to the cost of purchasing a vehicle.
- Approximately one in five has no interest in driving.
- Around one in six claim to be nervous or have safety concerns when it comes to driving on UK roads.
Incidentally, a quarter of those aged 17 to 20 felt they were too busy to learn to drive, compared to less than a sixth of young people aged 21-29.
Likelihood of young UK non-licence holders learning to drive
Young driver stats from the UK government suggest that, as of 2023, around half of 17 to 20-year-olds without a licence plan to learn to drive within the next five years. The comparative figure for those aged 21 to 29 is just over two-fifths (44%).
How likely is it that young drivers in the UK without a licence will learn to drive?
Similarly, around two in five young people aged 17 to 20 believe they will be driving within 12 months, compared to just over a quarter of those between 21 and 29.
What is the average insurance for young drivers?
As of 2023/24, the average cost of insurance for young drivers was around £2,217 per year (around double the typical cost for those aged 17-24 just 12 months earlier).
However, various factors, including location, gender, and even the age of the vehicle being insured, can have an impact on how much young drivers pay for their insurance.
In what region do young drivers pay the most for car insurance?
According to Uswitch data, the highest average car insurance price tends to be found in London, where a typical young driver pays around £3,108 a year. This is £537 more than the amount quoted for the second-most-expensive region for young drivers' car insurance, the North West. The average insurance cost for new drivers in this region stood at around £2,570 as of 2023/24.
Incidentally, seven out of the 11 UK regions had an average car insurance quote of more than £2,000 a year for young drivers in 2023/24.
Regional disparities in average young drivers' car insurance costs
As of 2023/24, the South West was the cheapest region in the UK for young drivers' insurance. Their average premium of £1,646 means that drivers aged 17-24 typically pay around half compared to those living in London.
Our data shows that the other regions, which are among the cheapest for young drivers' car insurance, are:
- Wales (£1,793)
- Scotland (£1,827)
- South East (£1,947)
How much do young male drivers pay compared to young female drivers?
Uswitch young drivers' statistics reveal notable contrasts between young female and male drivers, with male drivers making up double the proportion of quotes compared to females.
Cost of average car insurance for new drivers (young male vs. female drivers)
| Gender | Average premium | % of total quote requests |
|---|---|---|
| Female | £1,810.08 | 32.67% |
| Male | £2,451.31 | 71.08% |
(Source: Uswitch)
Male vs. female car insurance rates show that young male drivers typically pay around 35% more than their female counterparts.
How does the type of car affect the price of insurance for young drivers?
Three-door hatchbacks had the lowest median average quote for young driver car insurance in 2023/24, at almost £2,094 a year, followed closely by multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) at just over £2,105.
This means the average insurance cost for drivers aged 17-24 who own a three-door hatchback was typically around £124 less than the overall average price of insurance for young drivers.
How the average insurance price for new drivers varies based on car type
At the other end of the spectrum, young drivers of four-door saloons could expect to pay approximately £2,897 for their car insurance in 2023/24, almost two-fifths more than drivers of three-door hatchbacks.
Other types of cars that cost the most to insure for UK young drivers are:
- Four-door estates (£2,763)
- Two-door saloons (£2,654)
- Three-door estates (£2,543)
Regardless of the type of car, another factor that will affect the price of car insurance is whether the young driver has opted for comprehensive or third-party insurance.
What is the most expensive brand of car for young drivers insurance?
Young drivers of a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi can expect to pay the most for their car insurance, with the average cost close to a third more than that of Peugeot drivers.
Those aged 17-24 driving a BMW or Mercedes-Benz in 2023/24 were quoted around a fifth more on their car insurance than the average young driver, with Audi drivers typically paying 11% more.
Average cost of young drivers' insurance by car manufacturer
| Vehicle make | Lowest average premium | % of total quote requests |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | £2,383.49 | 19.39% |
| Ford | £2,150.01 | 17.95% |
| Vauxhall | £2,310.30 | 16.07% |
| BMW | £2,838.46 | 10.92% |
| Audi | £2,504.96 | 8.95% |
| Toyota | £2,209.68 | 6.29% |
| Mercedes-Benz | £2,825.71 | 5.93% |
| SEAT | £2,480.34 | 5.77% |
| Peugeot | £1,988.30 | 4.76% |
| Renault | £2,048.21 | 3.97% |
(Source: Uswitch)
On the other hand, our data indicates that Peugeot, Toyota, Ford, and Renault represent more affordable options for young drivers' car insurance, with median average quotes ranging from £1,988 to £2,209.
Out of all of them, the cheapest car to insure in 2023/24 was a Peugeot (approximately 30% less than a typical BMW for young drivers).
How does the age of a car affect the price of insurance for young drivers?
Our data on young drivers’ insurance shows that newer vehicles tend to yield cheaper average car insurance costs.
In 2023/24, the least expensive car for a young driver to insure was one that was brand new, costing an average of £2,119. This was 13% less than a young driver of a car more than 20 years old.
How the age of a car affects the average price of insurance for young drivers
| Vehicle age at quote request | Average premium | % of total quote requests |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | £2,119.38 | 0.84% |
| 1 - 5 | £2,162.00 | 12.57% |
| 6 - 10 | £2,165.29 | 31.47% |
| 11 - 15 | £2,305.94 | 34.97% |
| 16 - 20 | £2,375.72 | 16.60% |
| 20+ | £2,449.51 | 3.55% |
(Source: Uswitch)
The average cost of car insurance for young drivers tends to increase incrementally as vehicles get older, peaking at £2,449 for those aged 20 years and above.
Young drivers should consider taking out breakdown cover to ensure they are adequately covered should their vehicle break down while they are out and about.
Once a car goes beyond 40 years old, then a driver can also apply for classic car insurance.
Do young drivers in education pay more for car insurance than those in work?
A person’s job title can have a significant impact on car insurance costs. Our data shows that young drivers in full-time education can typically expect to pay £44 less on their car insurance than those in full-time employment.
The young drivers who were quoted the most for their car insurance in 2023/24 were the unemployed, who can expect to pay around £2,806 per year. However, they made up just over 2% of quotes for the year.
This means that those out of work typically pay around a quarter more than those in employment.
Average price of car insurance for young drivers by employment status
At the other end of the spectrum, the average insurance cost for young drivers whose primary occupation is household duties tends to be the lowest. They were typically quoted £2,134 a year for car insurance in 2023/24, which is close to 15% less than if they’d been self-employed.
Did you know?
Student car insurance is available for those at university as a potentially cheaper option for insuring a vehicle whilst in higher education.
Which occupation of young drivers pay the most for car insurance?
Statistics about young drivers indicate that those employed in working-class occupations tend to be quoted the highest amount for their car insurance.
With an average of £2,432 per year in 2023/24, this was around 18% more than those aged 17-24 working in jobs considered middle-class (the lowest average for the year).
Average cost of young drivers' car insurance by job type
| Primary occupation category | Average premium | % of total quote requests |
|---|---|---|
| Students | £2,211.49 | 33.55% |
| White collar workers | £2,118.79 | 23.05% |
| Working class occupations | £2,432.61 | 19.70% |
| Skilled working class | £2,318.48 | 18.02% |
| Middle-class occupations | £2,053.87 | 4.22% |
| Unemployed | £2,806.19 | 2.05% |
| Highly educated professionals and captains of industry | £2,155.31 | 1.59% |
| Homemakers and carers | £2,166.30 | 0.95% |
(Source: Uswitch)
Incidentally, those who were unemployed young people in 2023/24 were quoted an average of £2,806 for their car insurance (around 36% more than those in middle-class occupations and 26% more than the overall average for this age group).
How does the age of young drivers affect how much they will pay?
According to UK car insurance statistics, young drivers tend to pay more for their car insurance than their more experienced counterparts. But how much does the amount a young driver can expect to pay change as they get older?
Our data suggests that 24-year-olds tend to be quoted the least for their car insurance. At an average of £1,534 in 2023/24, this was almost 44% less than a typical 18-year-old driver (the most expensive average quote).
UK average car insurance cost by age
| Person's age at policy inception | Lowest average premium (£) | % of total quote requests |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | £2,624.63 | 14.78% |
| 18 | £2,737.54 | 17.38% |
| 19 | £2,545.16 | 15.59% |
| 20 | £2,376.15 | 13.65% |
| 21 | £2,093.25 | 12.19% |
| 22 | £1,828.33 | 10.81% |
| 23 | £1,666.66 | 10.27% |
| 24 | £1,534.37 | 10.16% |
(Source: Uswitch)
Young driver statistics indicate that, from the age of 18, drivers can expect their average insurance premium to drop year-on-year (especially if they don’t use their no-claims bonus).
On average, a young driver can expect their premium to reduce by around £200 a year, provided they don’t make a claim on their insurance and maintain a clean driving record.
Choosing the best insurance package for you and your car can be a minefield. That’s why we recommend reading one of our car insurance guides to give you a better idea of what you need.
How does the payment method affect the price of car insurance for young drivers?
Insurance companies typically charge less to customers who pay a year up-front, as opposed to month-by-month instalments.
Average cost of young drivers' insurance by payment method
| Payment method | Lowest average premium (£) | % of total quote requests |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | £2,078.15 | 51.55% |
| Monthly | £2,457.58 | 48.45% |
(Source: Uswitch)
Young drivers could save almost £400 a year by paying their car insurance in one annual payment, with an average annual cost around 15% lower than those who pay monthly.
In 2023/24, the average cost of insurance for a driver aged 17-24 who paid annually was £139 less than the overall average for their cohort.
This would help explain why more than half of the quote requests in 2022-23 came from young drivers looking to pay for their insurance in one go.
Driving habits of young UK drivers
Data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows that, in 2023, an estimated 2.42 million young males held a driving licence, compared to approximately 2.26 million young females. This means there are potentially around 7.1% more males aged 17-29 on UK roads compared to females of the same age bracket.
Note: The traditional definition of a young driver is someone aged 17-24. However, as the DfT classifies drivers into age groups of 17-20 and 21-29, both have been included for the purpose of this data analysis.
Frequency of driving for UK young drivers
A 2023 young driver statistics report suggests that more than a quarter of those aged 17-24 drive their vehicle(s) at least five days a week.
How often young drivers use their vehicle(s)
Their findings reveal that:
- Around a fifth of young drivers use their vehicle(s) between three and four days a week.
- Approximately one in 10 admits to a driving frequency of just once a week.
- A similar proportion of those surveyed had never driven their vehicle since passing their test.
- Just 7% had not driven a vehicle within the last 12 months.
What time of the day are young drivers mostly on the road?
Unlike older drivers, young drivers will spend more of their time driving at night. Statistics about young drivers show that 6% of all miles driven by under-24s happen at night, compared to 3% for older drivers.
Across all age groups, most driving occurs during the day, with 97% of all miles driven between the times of 5 am and 9:59 pm. Young drivers are no exception to this.
Around half of drivers aged 17-24 use their car to commute to work, with a further 10% using it to get to their place of education, whether that be school, college or university.
Most common times of the day drivers are on the road in England
Note: The data shows how the number of trips in progress changes throughout the day across England. The data is represented as an index, comparing the number of trips per hour to the average number of trips per hour (represented as an index score of 100). Therefore, a score of 200 means there are double the number of trips that hour compared to the average.
According to driving statistics from the government’s National Traffic Survey, the majority of journeys on English roads take place during the week (i.e. Monday to Friday), with around a third less driving taking place on Sunday compared to the midweek average.
In 2023, the most common time of day for drivers to be on English roads was between 4 pm and 5.59 pm during the week, with 4.2 times more traffic compared to the daily average. At weekends, the busiest time was between 10:00 and 11:59 on Saturdays, when there were almost five times more vehicles on the road compared to the daily average.
Speeding statistics for young drivers
National Safety Council (NSC) data shows that males under 24 are almost twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash while speeding compared to females of the same age.
Around a third (33%) of males aged 17-24 are typically involved in fatal collisions while driving too fast compared to less than a fifth of female drivers under 24.
The number and percentage of speeding drivers in fatal crashes by age and gender
Generally speaking, as drivers get older and more experienced, the chance of them being involved in a fatal collision while speeding reduces. Young male drivers aged 15-20 are around four-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision at speed compared to those aged 75 and above (37% vs. 8%, respectively).
Similarly, female drivers aged 15-20 are around three times more likely to crash at speed, leading to a fatality, than females over the age of 75 (18% vs. 6%).
Speeding statistics across age groups (alcohol vs. no alcohol)
According to speeding statistics from the NSC, young drivers (i.e. those under 24) are the second most likely age group to speed while under the influence of alcohol.
In 2023, there were just over 4,000 recorded incidents of speeding involving alcohol, of which more than a quarter (27.2%) involved a young driver.
Further analysis of the data reveals that:
- As a proportion of their respective age groups, those aged 15 to 20 accounted for twice as many compared to over 75s (28% vs. 14%). Yet, overall, there were almost 14 times more drivers aged 15 to 20 caught speeding in 2023 with alcohol in their system compared to the number of drivers aged 75 and above.
- There were almost 6,000 non-alcohol-related speeding offences recorded in the UK in 2023 by the NSC. Of these, young drivers were the most common offenders, accounting for just under a third (32%).
- As a percentage of their age group, just over two-thirds of young drivers aged 15-20 were involved in non-alcohol-related speeding offences in 2023, compared with just over half of those aged 21-24.
- Drivers aged 15-24 were around 10 times more likely to be caught speeding not under the influence of alcohol compared to those aged 75 plus.
Young driver speeding points
The latest UK government information on new driver penalty points (including speeding) states that:
- Your licence will be cancelled if you get six or more points within two years of passing your test.
- Any penalty points on your provisional licence that haven’t expired will be carried over to your full licence after passing your test.
- Your licence will be cancelled if you get any further penalty points that reach a total of six or more within two years of passing your test.
In the event of this, you’ll have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence (and pass the theory and practical assessments again) to get a full driving licence.
UK young driver accident statistics
In 2023, there were 90 young car driver deaths, making up just under a fifth of all deaths on UK roads for the year. Despite only accounting for around 7% of the UK driving population, this means young people aged 17-24 are more than twice as likely to be killed on UK roads compared to older drivers.
What percentage of accidents are caused by young drivers?
It’s estimated that one in five drivers could have a major or minor crash within a year of passing their test. However, as young drivers become more competent, their likelihood of being in an accident decreases.
With more accidents, there are more claims. Drivers under 25 have a claim rate around a quarter higher than those over 25. On top of this, one in five accidents involving young adults comes with an injury claim, meaning that almost a third of all claims are made by under-24s.
Young driver KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) casualty statistics over time (passengers of younger drivers vs. younger car drivers)
As of 2023, young driver casualty statistics reveal that just over a fifth of accidents on UK roads involve people as the passengers of younger car drivers. This represents a fall of three percentage points from the 2004 figures.
Casualties involving younger car drivers themselves in 2023 stood at more than a quarter of all incidents — a three percentage point decrease from 2004.
In all, approximately half of the reported UK road casualties in 2023 involved people over the age of 24 (i.e. those not considered young drivers).
UK young driver accident statistics by severity of accident
Between 2021-23, the number of young drivers killed on UK roads fluctuated between a low of 78 in 2021 to a high of 101 in 2022 (+29.5% in the space of a year).
UK young driver accident statistics (casualties involving young drivers vs. all car drivers)
| Young car drivers | All car drivers | Percentage of younger car drivers (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killed (2021) | 78 | 482 | 16% |
| Killed (2022) | 101 | 543 | 19% |
| Killed (2023) | 90 | 487 | 18% |
| Serious (2021) | 1,201 | 6,563 | 18% |
| Serious (2022) | 1,264 | 7,127 | 18% |
| Serious (2023) | 1,327 | 7,331 | 18% |
| Slight (2021) | 7,474 | 42,736 | 17% |
| Slight (2022) | 7,524 | 43,953 | 17% |
| Slight (2023) | 7,148 | 42,565 | 17% |
| All (2021) | 8,753 | 49,781 | 18% |
| All (2022) | 8,889 | 51,623 | 17% |
| All (2023) | 8,565 | 50,383 | 17% |
(Source: Department for Transport)
During this time, the percentage of young people:
- Seriously injured rose by more than 10% (2021-23)
- Slightly injured decreased by 5% (2022-23)
- Involved in any form of accident dropped by 3.6% (2022-23)
In 2023, young drivers accounted for 90 deaths on UK roads, a fall of one percentage point from the previous year.
UK young driver accident statistics (collisions involving young drivers vs. all car drivers)
| Heading | Young car drivers | All car drivers | Percentage of younger car drivers (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killed (2021) | 250 | 1,216 | 21% |
| Killed (2022) | 319 | 1,331 | 24% |
| Killed (2023) | 290 | 1,255 | 23% |
| Serious (2021) | 4,279 | 20,989 | 20% |
| Serious (2022) | 4,616 | 22,929 | 20% |
| Serious (2023) | 4,669 | 23,017 | 20% |
| Slight (2021) | 19,410 | 90,621 | 21% |
| Slight (2022) | 20,143 | 95,471 | 21% |
| Slight (2023) | 18,918 | 93,432 | 20% |
| All (2021) | 23,939 | 112,826 | 21% |
| All (2022) | 25,078 | 119,731 | 21% |
| All (2023) | 23,877 | 117,704 | 20% |
(Source: Department for Transport)
UK young driver accident statistics reveal that less than a quarter of all collisions in 2023 that resulted in a death involved a younger driver behind the wheel — a drop of one percentage point from the previous year.
UK government figures also reveal that one in five road collisions in 2023 involving younger car drivers resulted in serious or slight injuries.
That said, between 2022-23, the number of reported collisions on UK roads involving drivers aged 17-24:
- Dropped by 1.7% overall
- Decreased by 5.7% for those resulting in death
- Increased by 0.4% for those involving serious injuries
- Fell by 2.1% for those with slight injuries
Young driver accident statistics over time compared to all casualties
As of 2023, there were 4,959 reported casualties on UK roads. More than a quarter of these (28.5%) involved younger car drivers, with a fifth resulting in injuries to passengers of younger drivers.
The UK has seen a decrease in young driver accidents since 2004, when 12,257 casualties were recorded on UK roads — a reduction of almost three-fifths in the space of almost two decades.
What time of the day do most road accidents occur for young drivers?
As of 2023, there were 279 recorded accidents on UK roads at 5pm on a weekday, making it the most common time for a young driver to be involved in an accident. This equated to 8.9% of all reported weekday accidents for the year.
In all, the number of reported accidents in the UK in 2023 rose between 5am and 5pm, from 155 to 715. This means young drivers are around five times more likely to be involved in a road accident at 5pm compared to 5am.
Total number of UK road accidents involving young drivers by hour of the day
Statistically, young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident on a Saturday than on any other day of the week. In 2023, more than 4,000 accidents were reported on a Saturday. This was around 13% more than Sundays and almost 30% more than midweek.
On the other hand, the least likely time for accidents to occur on UK roads in 2023 was between 4 am and 5 am on a Monday-Friday (0.26%). By contrast, the lowest chance of accidents for young drivers at weekends fell around 6 am on a Saturday or Sunday (0.44% vs. 0.47%, respectively).
Where do most road accidents happen for young drivers?
Young drivers are ten times less likely to be killed on a motorway than they are on a country or urban road, where the figure jumps to almost half (48%) for both.
Incidentally, UK drivers aged 25+ are 7% more likely to be killed on an urban road compared to those aged 17-24, yet 6% less likely on rural roads by comparison.
The percentage of KSI accidents by type of road (young drivers vs. other car drivers)
Our research into the young driver accident statistics available found that a critical mass of young drivers are apprehensive about using motorways.
More than four in 10 (41%) young people say they knew friends who were so nervous about using motorways, they refused to drive on them.
Just 7% of young drivers also admitted that they avoided driving on motorways, compared to just 4% of over-65s.
Despite their fears about driving on motorways, road accident statistics suggest they are the safest type of road around for both older and younger drivers.
Young driver death statistics show that just around one in 25 KSI casualties involving those under 25 occur on the motorways.
Young driver accident statistics vs. other drivers based on the type of junction
Young driver accident statistics show that most accidents for drivers aged between 17-24 happen not at a junction within 20 metres, with just over half of all accidents for this age group occurring here. This figure is 6% lower for all other drivers.
Almost a quarter of young driver accidents occur at a T, Y, or staggered junction, with less than one in 10 happening at a crossroads.
Incidentally, drivers aged 25+ are more likely to have an accident at a T, Y, or staggered junction than their younger counterparts.
The most common reasons why young drivers have accidents in the UK
Young driver accident statistics show that the most common reason why people aged 17-24 have an accident while driving is that the driver/rider failed to look properly. This happened in approximately a fifth of the accidents reported in 2023.
Why do young UK drivers have accidents?
UK government data implies that younger drivers are almost twice as likely to be involved in an accident due to careless/reckless driving or because they are in a hurry, compared to other drivers. They are also three times more likely to crash by exceeding the speed limit compared to other car drivers.
Did you know?
According to our latest report on driving crime and safety statistics, the most common cause of road accidents in the UK is due to loss of control by the driver (22%).
Young driver seatbelt statistics
According to UK government data, those aged between 17-24 are the most likely age group not to wear a seatbelt during a traffic collision in which someone is killed or seriously injured (KSI).
As of 2023, around one in six 17-24-year-olds in the UK were guilty of this traffic offence (the highest proportion across all age groups).
The percentage of UK drivers not wearing a seatbelt during KSI collisions by age group
On average, one in 10 UK drivers involved in a KSI collision in 2023 were not wearing a seatbelt, meaning young drivers are 50% more likely to do so compared to the average UK driver.
Driving test statistics for young drivers in the UK
According to the latest learner driver statistics, the average driving test pass rate in the UK is around 48%. With approximately 810,000 people attempting their driving test for the first time in the year up until March 2023, this means almost 390,000 people successfully passed their test on their first go.
What percentage of young drivers have taken a driving test?
A young driver report in 2023 found that just over a third of UK young drivers have only taken their theory test, with around one in six having attempted the practical examination.
Proportion of UK young drivers who have/haven’t taken a driving test
Young driver statistics also highlight that around three-fifths of those aged 17-24 have never taken a practical or theory test when it comes to driving.
Did you know?
Learner driver insurance is available for those who haven’t yet passed their test. So, if you’re learning to drive and want to practice outside with an instructor, you’ll need to have insurance in place.
What is the driving test pass rate of young drivers in the UK?
As of 2023-24, there were just over 1.1 million driving tests conducted in the UK for people aged 16-24 (the first time this figure had exceeded this amount since 2008-09).
Just over half of these drivers managed to pass their test, resulting in a pass rate of 52% for the year — a number that has remained constant for the past two years.
Driving test pass rate statistics for UK young drivers over time
| Year | Conducted | Passed | Pass rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 to 2008 | 1,192,309 | 559,950 | 47% |
| 2008 to 2009 | 1,150,018 | 556,617 | 48% |
| 2009 to 2010 | 1,010,013 | 495,978 | 49% |
| 2010 to 2011 | 1,029,897 | 513,263 | 50% |
| 2011 to 2012 | 984,203 | 498,054 | 51% |
| 2012 to 2013 | 894,758 | 455,533 | 51% |
| 2013 to 2014 | 923,167 | 469,804 | 51% |
| 2014 to 2015 | 966,709 | 488,088 | 50% |
| 2015 to 2016 | 976,868 | 491,981 | 50% |
| 2016 to 2017 | 1,092,313 | 549,238 | 50% |
| 2017 to 2018 | 1,075,750 | 532,051 | 49% |
| 2018 to 2019 | 1,033,370 | 507,264 | 49% |
| 2019 to 2020 | 992,229 | 488,333 | 49% |
| 2020 to 2021 | 199,671 | 100,321 | 50% |
| 2021 to 2022 | 758,788 | 384,299 | 51% |
| 2022 to 2023 | 1,013,241 | 526,545 | 52% |
| 2023 to 2024 | 1,102,981 | 576,346 | 52% |
| Total | 16,396,285 | 8,193,665 | 50% |
(Source: DVSA)
Over time, the average pass rate for young drivers in the UK has remained fairly constant, fluctuating somewhere between 47% and 52% since 2007-08.
First attempt pass rate statistics for UK young drivers over time
| Year | Conducted | Passed | Pass rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 to 2012 | 484,206 | 240,370 | 49.60% |
| 2012 to 2013 | 448,397 | 223,441 | 49.80% |
| 2013 to 2014 | 462,093 | 231,814 | 50.20% |
| 2014 to 2015 | 491,906 | 244,333 | 49.70% |
| 2015 to 2016 | 510,737 | 252,570 | 49.50% |
| 2016 to 2017 | 550,552 | 270,003 | 49.00% |
| 2017 to 2018 | 533,370 | 258,613 | 48.50% |
| 2018 to 2019 | 309,053 | 137,742 | 44.60% |
| 2019 to 2020 | 295,633 | 131,339 | 44.40% |
| 2020 to 2021 | 109,433 | 53,944 | 49.30% |
| 2021 to 2022 | 405,763 | 200,991 | 49.50% |
| 2022 to 2023 | 352,679 | 167,460 | 47.50% |
| 2023 to 2024 | 362,281 | 172,838 | 47.70% |
(Source: DVSA)
According to pass rate statistics from the DVSA, less than half (47.7%) of UK young drivers passed their test at the first attempt in 2023-24 — a figure that has decreased year-on-year since 2021-22.
Back in 2013-14, more than half of UK young drivers passed their test after their first go (the only year to date where the pass rate percentage exceeded 50% for this cohort).
At what age can you pass your driving test?
In the UK, you need to be at least 17 years old to learn to drive, take your theory and practical test, and obtain a driving licence.
How long does it take young drivers to book a driving test in the UK?
According to a recent BBC study, around three-quarters of driving test centres across Great Britain have now reached the maximum average waiting time (24 weeks) to book a practical test.
Shortest average waiting times for driving test centres across Great Britain
FOI data obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed that, as of March 2025:
- The average waiting time across driving test centres in Great Britain was 22 weeks (a rise of more than a fifth from July 2024).
- Nearly all test centres in London (28 out of 30) had reached the maximum waiting time of 24 weeks.
- Around one in 10 centres recorded an average waiting time of less than 10 weeks.
- Bala, in Wales, had the shortest average wait time across the country at just one week, followed by Bangor and Oswestry (both three weeks).
Incidentally, of the 308 test centres that responded to the FOI request, 74% had an average wait time of 24 weeks (the maximum).
Number of driving test centres by average waiting time
Waiting times for driving tests in Great Britain have generally increased across the board since the COVID pandemic.
At the start of 2020, a typical learner driver could expect to wait six weeks for their test — a figure that had more than doubled to 15 weeks by March 2022.
Government response to the increase in average waiting times for driving tests
In December 2024, the UK government announced the introduction of new measures to tackle long waiting times for driving tests across the country, including:
- The recruitment of 450 additional driving examiners
- Increasing the notice period required for cancellations from three to 10 working days
- Creating an extra 145,000 test slots between October 2023 and March 2024
- Banning the resale of driving test appointments
- Strengthening the terms and conditions for businesses managing test bookings
- Longer waiting times for those who fail their driving test by making multiple serious or dangerous faults, abusing driving examiners, or failing to attend their test.
- Exploring options for learner drivers to book their test further in advance than the current limit of 24 weeks.
- Expanding the Ready to Pass? campaign to increase the chance of young drivers passing the first time and reduce overall demand on the system.
Further to this, Transport Secretary (Heidi Alexander) instructed the DVSA on 23 April 2025 to provide thousands of additional tests each month and combat test-buying bots to reduce average waiting times to seven weeks by summer 2026.
The DVSA’s Additional Testing Allowance scheme will reopen for 18 months, enabling more examiners to deliver these extra tests. As a result, examiner training capacity will be doubled to get newly recruited driving examiners qualified as soon as possible.
Future driving habits of young UK drivers
This section reveals a series of young driver statistics exploring the potential driving habits of those aged 17-24 in the coming years. We analyse the likelihood that UK young drivers will still be driving in the future, the reasons behind it, and what factors might influence their decisions to remain behind the wheel by 2035.
The likelihood of young drivers driving in 2035
According to a young drivers report by Ipsos, more than a third of young drivers surveyed in 2023 are certain they will still be driving in 2035.
How likely is it that young drivers will still be driving in 2035?
Their report also found that:
- More than a quarter of 17-24-year-olds claim they are very likely to still be driving by the mid-2030s
- Around one in five think it’s fairly likely.
- Just 1% of those surveyed are adamant they’ll have given up driving by 2035, with 7% believing it’s unlikely they’ll still be driving by the same date.
The main reasons for the likelihood of young people driving in 2035
Ipsos’ 2023 young drivers report suggests that the main factor affecting the likelihood of them driving in 2035 will hinge on lifestyle.
From those surveyed:
- Two-thirds claim that their lifestyle will require them to drive.
- More than two-fifths stated that driving a vehicle is more convenient than public transport.
- Just over a third also prefer driving over walking or cycling, again stating the convenience of it as a pull factor.
- Around one in five admit that public transport doesn’t meet their travel needs.
UK young driver attitudes towards the environment
A report by Ipsos on young drivers shows more than seven in 10 drivers surveyed aged 17-24 currently turn off their engines when parked or waiting, making it the most common environmental consideration for young drivers in 2023.
This was followed by around three-fifths of young drivers who currently walk or cycle for short, non-work related journeys (62%) or use public transport (61%) as an alternative to taking a private vehicle.
What measures are young drivers taking, and would be willing to do, to reduce their carbon footprint?
Findings from the young drivers survey also found that:
- Around three in five would consider using an electric or hybrid vehicle instead of petrol or diesel within the next five years. This is met with around one in five who wouldn’t.
- Two-fifths also said they currently cut down on car journeys, with an identical percentage admitting they don’t at the moment, but would consider it by the end of 2028.
Young Driver FAQs
How much is car insurance for a new driver in the UK?
Young driver statistics suggest that the average price of car insurance stood at £2,217 as of 2023/24.
How much is insurance for a 17-year-old in the UK?
According to Uswitch internal data, the average price of car insurance for a 17-year-old in the UK was £2,624 as of 2023/24.
Why is car insurance so expensive for young drivers?
Generally speaking, the riskier the driver, the more their car insurance could cost. Teenage drivers' patterns of risk show that they are more likely to have an accident and drive less reliable cars. This means they are more likely to claim on their car insurance than older drivers.
Will my insurance go down after a year of driving?
Potentially, but not definitely. Your insurance may go down after a year of driving, but this is not guaranteed. There is no magic number when it comes to seeing your insurance price drop. However, after three years of incident-free driving you can expect the price you pay on insurance to slowly decrease.
At what age does car insurance go down in the UK?
Between 17-24, young drivers can expect their car insurance costs to decrease by almost 42%. The cost of car insurance should start to decrease after the age of 18, provided you have not made a claim in the previous year and there are no aggravating factors that could cause your premium to increase.
As of 2023/24, the average cost of car insurance for a 19-year-old in the UK stood at £2,545 (around 7% less compared to the typical price for 18-year-olds).
Why do young male drivers pay more for car insurance?
Male drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident. Estimates suggest that almost three-fifths of male drivers have been involved in some sort of crash, compared to less than half of female drivers.
How to reduce car insurance for young drivers?
Some tips for cutting the cost of car insurance, especially for young drivers, include:
- Installing security features
- Completing an advanced driving course
- Taking advantage of discounts and freebies
- Shopping around to see how much your car insurance would be with different providers
Does adding an additional driver make insurance cheaper?
Sometimes, adding an experienced driver can reduce insurance costs for young drivers. It shows to the insurance company that the younger driver is trusted by a more capable driver who is also responsible for the car. Taking out multi-car insurance can also have a similar effect.
What types of car insurance are there?
There are many types of car insurance, including third-party (fire and theft), third-party only, and comprehensive cover. With differences between third-party and comprehensive cover, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research before deciding which one is right for you.
What car is cheap insurance for young drivers?
As of 2024, the car that provided the cheapest average cost of car insurance for young drivers in the UK was a Peugeot (£1,988) – typically around £900 a year more than the average cost of car insurance for those aged 17-24 driving a BMW.
Are young drivers more likely to take risks?
Potentially. Young drivers may be more likely to take risks, in part due to their inexperience. This can mean young drivers may find it harder to spot potential hazards. Data also suggests that younger drivers are more likely to be reckless behind the wheel, for example by overtaking and/or speeding on occasions where older and more experienced drivers would not. If you’re insuring a younger driver, it’s worth considering comprehensive car insurance as this will offer you more protection should an accident write off another driver’s car.
Can newly passed drivers drive on the motorway?
Yes, new drivers can drive on the motorway providing that they hold a valid UK licence and their vehicle is fully insured and taxed. It’s a common car insurance myth that newly passed drivers aren’t allowed to drive on the motorway. There are no laws against first-time drivers hitting the motorway. However, it can be a daunting task, which is why many young drivers take extra lessons focused on driving on the motorway.
Methodology and sources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-66053510
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/nts02-driving-licence-holders
https://www.racfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Young-driver-survey-Ipsos-April-2023.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-travel-survey-statistics
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/
https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/new-drivers
https://www.hastingsdirect.com/car-insurance/guides/most-common-traffic-offences/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg91n5v44ko
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/car-practical-driving-test-waiting-times
