InsureLearnerDriver asked over 5,000 learner drivers in May 2021 to share their experience from the impact of Covid-19, the lockdowns and restrictions on those learning to drive, and howthey felt moving forward.

Below we have included an overview of the key survey results, along with many direct quotes from learner drivers. Read the full article on the Learner Driver Covid-19 Lockdown Survey page here.

40% of learner drivers have ‘considered giving up‘ on learning to drive

‘It’s really expensive in terms of lessons to keep starting from square one again, every time we come out of a lockdown, I feel I have lost a lot of time and money.’

86% of learner drivers believe Covid-19 ‘delayed them passing their driving test

This shows that short periods when the lockdown was lifted proved to be an insufficient period to enable learners to become qualified drivers. This was particularly affected by the Government ruling to restrict almost any type of driving practice, even with members of your own household, during the last lockdown.

‘I have only got until 21st October 2021 to pass my driving test or I will have to sit the theory test again which I think is unfair. I have had 2 tests cancelled due to lockdown and have now got to wait until 28th July before I can take my practical driving test.’

6 months delay – over 50% of Learners believe Covid-19 ‘has delayed them by over 6 months in passing their driving test‘

This all adds up to long delays to becoming qualified and also delays for new learner drivers wanting to start learning, as Driving Instructors are still teaching the drivers waiting for tests. This, in turn, can have a negative effect on young people being able to apply for certain jobs or further education where driving may be required.

10% delayed over 12 months – over 10% of learners believe the lockdowns has put them over a year behind in their learning.

‘The rebooking system was awful. my test was a week before they started back up and i got out back in for 4 months later. it’s already costly and it’s just making it more and more expensive.’

Covid-19 concerns – Do learners still feel safe sharing a car with a driving instructor?

There’s good news for Driving Instructors on this front, 88% of our learner drivers had no concerns returning to Driving Lessons with an Instructor, even though many younger drivers will not yet be vaccinated.

65% planning to carry on lessons with their driving instructors as soon as lockdown eases.

It will be no surprise to hear that over 65% of learners indicated that they intended to carry on learning to drive with an instructor as restrictions ease. 89% of respondents also said they felt safe to take driving lessons with an instructor again once lockdown is over.

To end on a more optimistic note, some people did still manage to learn to drive during what has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone.

With a bit of lucky timing, perseverance, and mum’s help, here are some of those stories:

‘I managed to get lessons everytime it was allowed as well as getting learner insurance on my mums car and then i passed my practical test first time in December 2020.’

‘It took some flexibility but with my Mum’s help, and a great driving instructor, I got through it.’

Read the full results on our Learner Drivers – The Effects of the Covid-19 Lockdown Survey page here.