An “overwhelming majority” of young people aged 17 to 24 expect to be driving regularly in the future. 

Aside from those unable to drive because of a disability of health condition, driving remains an aspiration.

More than 8 out of 10 (85%) think it is certain or likely they will be driving a car or van at least once a week by 2035. However, the this comes as only little over half (56%) of that age group currently do so. 

Positive drive forward

The numbers are revealed in a survey by Ipsos for the RAC Foundation.  

Over three quarters of those aged 17–24 questioned as part of this survey had some form of valid UK driving licence, either full (49%) or provisional (27%).  

Those questioned believe they will start driving because they believe their lifestyles will require it. They also see driving as more convenient for them than either public transport or active travel (such as walking and cycling). 

Amongst those questioned who had not taken a driving test, the most common reasons given for not doing so were: 

  • Cost of lessons (33%) 
  • Cost of buying, leasing or hiring a car (26%) 
  • Lack of time (26%) 
  • Driving not a priority (23%) 

Changing picture

Young people recognise that driving is set to change in the coming years. Many were optimistic about it with 70% feeling positive about electric cars. However, there was a split in opinion about the roll out of fully autonomous vehicles. Of those questioned, 37% support it but, currently, 35% oppose it. 

There is a broader recognition of the need to reduce the environmental impact of driving. Four in ten (40%) of those who drive regularly said they have already cut down on the car journeys they make. A further 40% who haven’t yet cut down on car journeys say they’d be willing to do so over the next five years. 

Insightful independence

“There is much speculation on whether the young people of today will turn out to be the drivers of tomorrow,” says Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation. But even considering the environmental concerns, financial implications and a changing provision of public transport, it seems driver for independence is only increasing.  “The evidence here is that the vast majority see themselves as motorists within the next decade or so. 

“Previous research we have done has shown the importance knowing how to drive can be to securing a job. The question is how much the transport landscape has changed by Covid with the answer appearing to be; by not as much as might have been first thought. 

“Encouragingly, young people are well aware of the need to reduce or mitigate the negative impacts of driving,”remarks Gooding. “There is majority support for low-traffic neighbourhoods, investment in cycling infrastructure and the introduction of clean air zones.”

Educated support

Chris Rigby, Associate Director of Ipsos says the research show a change in attitudes, even though driving remains very popular. 

“Regardless of the shift towards EVs, over half of young people think we should expect to be driving less in future. Amongst current regular drivers in this age bracket, four in five say either that they have already cut down on the number of journeys they make by car, or that they are willing to do this over the next 5 years. The majority of young people think the government should be taking steps to reduce the number of car journeys, even if it inconveniences them personally.”

Read the full report here