Young adults learning to drive much earlier than previous generations, study finds

New research shows that adults are learning to drive at a significantly earlier age than previous generations.

A survey carried out by insurance brokers Gallagher, of 900 drivers across the country, found that 41% of 18-24-year-olds started learning to drive at 17 or 18 years old, this is up from 30% of motorists aged 45 to 54.

The survey also found that 75% of 18 to 24-year-olds began driving before the age of 21; this compares with 60% of motorists over the age of 55.

When it came to gender, men started learning to drive around a year earlier than women, the average age of men was 21.4 years compared to 22.3 years.

Many rural areas of the country are poorly connected by public transport, and this was reflected in the survey, with people living in rural areas more likely to start learning at 17 or 18 than those living in urban settings.

Dubliners are the least likely to begin learning at the legal age, while those living in Munster are most likely to begin at 17 or 18.

Learning beyond the age of 30 was relatively uncommon, with just 6% of respondents starting after this age, and no one over the age of 50 began learning.

Geraldine Kelly of Gallager said: “Learning to drive is one of those milestones that can shape the course of someone's life in ways they often don't appreciate at the time. It's easy to think of it simply as passing a test, but in reality, it's about much more. Whether it's getting your first job, commuting to college, taking up opportunities that are further from home or simply having the freedom to travel independently, a driving licence gives people options that can stay with them for life.

“Our research suggests that many young people today recognise that value. Starting early often has practical advantages too. Younger learners are more likely to have access to a family car and someone who can accompany them while they build confidence on the road. They also tend to have fewer financial commitments and more flexibility to fit lessons and practice around their schedules. As life becomes busier with work, mortgages and family responsibilities, finding the time, money and opportunity to learn can become much more difficult.

“The differences between rural and urban Ireland are also telling. In many rural communities, driving isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. A car is often the only realistic way to get to work, education, childcare, healthcare appointments or even to meet friends and family. In larger towns and cities, public transport can offer alternatives, so there's often less urgency to learn at a young age.

“Learning to drive is undoubtedly an investment. Between lessons, the theory test, the driving test and buying and insuring a first car, the costs can add up. However, it's also an investment in your future. A driving licence can significantly widen employment opportunities, particularly as more people are commuting longer distances or choosing to live outside our cities where housing is more affordable. For many employers, having a full licence is either a requirement or a distinct advantage.

“While there are clear benefits to starting young, it's equally important to remember that there is no deadline for learning. Everyone's circumstances are different, and there are now more options than ever before, including automatic driving lessons, making the process more accessible. Whether you're learning at 18 or 58, becoming a safe and confident driver is an investment that can pay dividends for decades to come”.