Almost half of all learner drivers in London – 47.6 percent – are aged over 30, new data has revealed.
Figures released by car insurance website Quotezone also show that just under half of London’s learner drivers have had a provisional licence for more than five years. And 27 percent have held a provisional licence for over 10 years.
Advancing age has seemingly not held back people from learning to drive. Quotezone says over 300 learners nationwide, including 22 London residents, could qualify for a UK pension. Apparently more than 100 people in their 70s and 80s have renewed their interest in passing the driving test.
Nonetheless, across the country, 60 percent of first-time drivers are aged between 16 and 25.
London is the capital for older learners
Demand for learner driver insurance policies increased by 42 percent in 2020 compared with 2019, potentially due to the government discouraging the use of public transport during the pandemic.
“We’ve seen a big rise in learners looking into policies in 2020. Perhaps safety concerns using public transport have played a part in this surge, and with many services reduced, commuters are returning to the idea of having a car, said Greg Wilson of Quotezone.
“With lessons and tests returning and an economic bounceback looking promising, we expect more provisional licence holders to actively pursue their full licence this year
“School leavers or young professionals often come to mind as the typical learner driver. Our findings tell a more multifaceted story, though, showing many people hold back on getting their full driving licence until they’re well into their 20s and beyond. London is certainly the capital for older learner drivers.”
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