Two fifths of learner drivers around the UK are taking two or more driving lessons per week, according to new research.
Bill Plant Driving School conducted the research after noticing a rise in the number of students booking multiple lessons per week (on average two to three). Almost 2,200 learner drivers aged 18+ were quizzed about their driving lessons and habits. It was found that 77% of learners who were practising before the UK lockdown believe they would have passed their test already had they not had to pause training.
Two fifths of learner drivers in the UK (39%) are taking two or more separate driving lessons per week, with 61% of those increasing the amount of lessons from what they were having previously.
The top reasons for increasing the number of lessons were:
- I want to make up for the lost months – 36%
- I had saved up the money I would’ve spent on lessons during lockdown and can afford multiple lessons per week – 21%
- I want to be able to take my driving test before my theory test expires – 12%
- I’m desperate to pass and have my own car, and relish in the freedom that comes with driving – 10%
- I got a block booking deal with my driving instructor – 7%
What’s more, of those who had not been taking lessons during lockdown, instead taking them up since the driving school industry reopened in July, the top motivating factors for learning to drive were found to be ‘I don’t want to continue using public transport’ (33%) and ‘I want to be able to visit family in other parts of the UK’ (32%). Additionally, 45% didn’t have any intention to learn to drive until the UK went into lockdown.
Tom Hixon, head of instructor support at Bill Plant, said: “With the driving school industry having been shut for many months, there were hundreds of thousands of people around the UK who had to put lessons on hold or delay starting them. What’s great to see is that so many who never considered learning to drive are now working to get their driving licence, and we don’t blame so many for wanting to take two or more lessons a week – but ultimately it all comes down to someone’s driving ability and safety on the road.”
