According to new research by the RAC, a significant proportion of UK drivers remain heavily reliant on their cars for daily activities, with limited viable alternatives available—particularly in rural areas.

The study reveals that 40% of drivers across the country believe they have no feasible alternative to driving for their daily commute.

For those living in rural areas, that figure jumps dramatically to 70%, underscoring the continued dominance of private vehicles in the lives of millions.

Of course, for driving instructors it is good news, though perhaps not so for the environment.

Hopping off

The RAC study paints a sobering picture of public transport’s limited appeal.

Only 31% of drivers overall see taking the bus as a realistic commuting option.

Even in city centres, where public transport infrastructure is strongest, this figure only reaches 50%.

In suburban areas it drops to 26%, and in rural communities, it plunges to a mere 11%.

My way

This dependency is reflected in lifestyle habits.

A full 81% of respondents said they would find it “very difficult” to live without a car—almost unchanged since the RAC began tracking this figure in 1989, when it stood at 83%.

The data also reveals that car dependency increases with age: 65% of those under 25 would struggle to live car-free, rising to 86% among those aged over 65.

The findings come as UK public transport is being criticised for infrequent services, high costs, and a lack of coverage—particularly outside of major cities.

A 2024 report by the Campaign for Better Transport found that more than 3,000 local bus routes had been cut in England over the past decade.

Meanwhile, rail services, while improving in some areas, remain costly and unreliable in others.

The average UK rail fare has increased by nearly 30% since 2010, even after adjusting for inflation.

Limited choice

When it comes to common daily journeys, 63% of drivers always commute by car, and 57% always drive when grocery shopping.

Other typical car-only journeys include taking children to school or activities (42%), trips to and from airports (40%), and even getting to railway stations (26%).

Only a small minority regularly opt for alternatives: just 8% of drivers use walking, cycling or public transport for commuting, and a mere 3% do so when shopping for groceries.

A key reason for this continued reliance appears to be dissatisfaction with public transport.

Just 29% of drivers view it as an attractive alternative to driving, up slightly from 26% in 2023.

The number is higher among younger drivers under 25, at 41%, but confidence falls in older age brackets, with only 25% of those aged 45–65 seeing public transport as appealing.

Still, the research hints at potential change: 53% of drivers said they would use their car less if public transport were more convenient, reliable and affordable.

Countrywide

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, commented: “Our research shows that the car remains central to so many people’s lives. While those in more rural areas are most car dependent, even in urban centres half of drivers don’t see public transport as a viable alternative for their daily commute.”

He added: “While the Government has ambitious plans to improve public transport, the car is likely to remain essential for many, especially in areas where other options simply don’t stack up.”

As the UK continues to balance its climate commitments with public demand, the challenge remains clear: to create a transport system where alternatives to the car are not only available, but genuinely practical for everyone.

For the ADI, it represents a positive forecast for the ongoing flow of pupils looking to learn to drive in order to commute or just have the freedom to travel when and where they wish, at their own chosen speed.