Young drivers unprepared for reality on the road

• 71 per cent of young drivers did not encounter winter weather when learning to drive
• One in four (25 per cent) went on to have an accident in these conditions
• Almost half (47 per cent) did not experience driving at night when taking driving lessons
• Research shows a lack of experience on the UK’s diverse road networks*
   

More than half a million drivers have passed their test in the last year**, but new figures released today by Privilege DriveXpert*** indicate that many have startling gaps in their knowledge, which may be leading to otherwise avoidable accidents. 

Weather worries

Almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of young drivers do not experience typically hazardous winter driving conditions caused by snow and ice on the roads while learning to drive. A third (33 per cent) of drivers, who have only experienced icy conditions since passing their test, felt under-prepared when they encountered these conditions and a quarter (25 per cent) admitted that driving on icy roads had led to them to have an accident.

Over half of young drivers (52 per cent) had never encountered heavy rain or storms while learning to drive, leading to a fifth (18 per cent) of those who have only experienced these conditions after passing their test having an accident in the wet weather. Half of all young drivers (47 per cent) did not secure any experience of driving at night – a particular concern as the nights draw in. 

Charlotte Fielding, head of car insurance at Privilege DriveXpert, commented: “It’s clear that many young drivers are not fully prepared for some of the most basic driving conditions and situations. Learning to drive should not be seen as a formality in order to pass a test, it is an opportunity to develop driving skills so that when people do hit the road alone, they can do so with confidence.”

The roads less travelled 

A quarter of drivers (24 per cent), who only experience motorway driving after passing their test, admitted that they felt unprepared once they were let loose on Britain’s M-Roads, despite it being one of the most every day tasks for experienced drivers. 

Other driving basics are also a mystery to young drivers. Half (52 per cent) had no experience of driving on B roads, on country lanes (49 per cent) or through road works (47 per cent) while learning to drive. A quarter (25 per cent) of the drivers, who only experienced B roads after passing their test, have suffered a car accident on a B road in the past.  

Fielding continues: “Not all driving scenarios can be tackled before the test, however those that can, such as driving on dual carriageways or driving at night, should be encouraged to all learners. Where possible, learners should ask an experienced driver to accompany them outside of their scheduled lessons in order to learn in as diverse a range of conditions as possible.” 

ENDS

Notes to editors

• * Research conducted among 1,002 UK drivers aged 20-29 from 24th to 29th September 2014
• ** Total pass rate 2013/2014: 695,580, DSA0201 Practical car pass rates by gender, month and DTC: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/car-practical-driving-test-operational-statistics        
• *** Insurance premiums tend to be higher for young drivers due to the higher likelihood of accidents among inexperienced motorists. Telematics policies, such as DriveXpert from Privilege, are worth considering because the plug in device monitors driving behaviour and provides feedback to drivers, it will also give them a discount at renewal based on how safely they drive.                       

For further information please contact:

Chloe French
Media Relations Executive
chloe.french@directlinegroup.co.uk 
01651 831 715
07770 640 865

Tom Pavey-Smith
Lansons
0207 294 3606
privilege@lansons.com

Privilege
Privilege Insurance specialises in car insurance for safe drivers. It also offers home insurance and breakdown cover by phone or on-line.

Privilege general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Privilege and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.   

Customers can find out more about Privilege’s products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 0515 or visiting www.privilege.co.uk