The number of people holding a UK driver’s licence has hit a record high. According to recent data from car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco, over 42 million UK citizens now possess a full licence, marking the highest number ever recorded.
Comparing the current figure of 42,120,966 to 41,570,822 from last year, data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows a significant increase in the number of complete UK driving licences.
Within the past 24 months, the number of full licence holders has risen by over one million from 41,075,262 in February 2022. Despite this surge, the number of young drivers holding licences has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Statistics from the DVLA reveal that 3.05 million licenced drivers in the UK are between 16 and 25 years old. Although there has been a slight increase of more than 75,000 in the past year, the total number of young drivers is still down by 8% compared to March 2020.
Before the pandemic, 3.32 million individuals aged 16 to 25 held valid driver’s licences. By November 2022, this number had just barely increased to 3.42 million.
Reasons for the Decline in Young Drivers
This decline in young drivers can be attributed to the high costs associated with learning to drive and the lengthy waiting times at test centres across the country, as reported by This is Money.
According to MoneySupermarket’s Household Index, 17 to 20-year-olds need to spend an average of £7,609 in their first year to obtain a driver’s licence. This is a significant increase from the £1,285 (adjusted for inflation) required in 1989.
The rising costs include expenses for classes, exams, car ownership, insurance, fuel, and other fees. Many young people admitted they cannot afford to learn to drive without financial support from their parents.
Furthermore, the long wait times at driving test centres have added to the challenges faced by young drivers. A recent report by the AA Driving School revealed that most test locations have wait times exceeding a month, worse than pre-pandemic levels.
Over 70s and Elderly Drivers
Elderly drivers are maintaining their presence on the roads, with over six million people over 70 now holding full driving licences. The number of septuagenarians with licences increased by over 200,000 between February 2023 and 2024, reflecting the UK’s ageing population.
Additionally, DVLA data shows that the number of drivers aged 80 and above with full licences has climbed by over 100,000 in a year, reaching 1,788,280. Interestingly, there are now a third more centenarians holding complete UK driving licences compared to two years ago.
Older drivers must meet additional requirements to continue driving after turning 70, renewing their licences every three years. John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, highlighted the enduring popularity of car travel among seniors and its importance for social connections, particularly in rural areas where public transportation options may be limited.