Young adults in Ireland are learning to drive at a significantly earlier age than previous generations, according to our new research. The survey of 900 drivers across Ireland found that four in ten (41%) of 18 to 24-year-olds began learning to drive at 17 or 18 years old – up from just three in ten (30%) of motorists now aged 45 to 54. The trend holds across the board with 75% of today’s 18 to 24-year-olds having started driving before turning 21, compared with 60% of motorists currently over 55. The average age at which those surveyed began learning was just over 22 among the 55+ age group, compared with just over 20 among 18 to 24-year-olds today.
Highlights from our Gallagher survey include:
- Overall, almost seven in ten (68%) motorists in Ireland began learning to drive before the age of 21.
- 17 to 18 years old is the most common age to start learning, with one in three (36%) beginning as soon as they are legally eligible.
- Men started learning to drive almost a year earlier than women on average, at 21.4 years compared with 22.3 years.
- People living in rural areas are more likely to start at 17 or 18 years old than those in urban areas (41% compared with 34%).
- Munster residents are the most likely to start driving at 17 or 18 years old (41%), while Dubliners are the least likely to begin learning at the earliest legal age (31%).
- Learning later in life is relatively uncommon: just 6% started after the age of 30, and none of those surveyed began after the age of 50.
Geraldine Kelly, Head of Personal Lines at Gallagher, commented on the findings,
“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”.
Gallagher’s top tips for anyone thinking about learning to drive
- Start sooner rather than later – If you have the opportunity to learn while you’re still at home or have regular access to a family car, take it. Starting early often makes it easier to gain valuable supervised driving experience and build confidence before work, financial commitments or family responsibilities make finding the time more difficult.
- Treat driving as a life skill, not just a test to pass – Learning to drive isn’t just about obtaining a licence. It’s about developing the confidence, awareness and good habits that will keep you safe on the road for years to come. Focus on becoming a capable driver rather than simply passing your test.
- Practice as much as you can – Driving regularly between lessons is one of the best ways to build confidence and reinforce what you’ve learned with your instructor. The more varied your experience – from busy town centres to country roads and motorway driving – the more prepared you’ll feel when driving independently.
- Choose the learning route that’s right for you – There are more options than ever before, including both manual and automatic lessons. Think about your long-term driving needs and choose the route that best suits your confidence, lifestyle and the type of vehicle you’re most likely to drive.
- Plan for the full cost of learning – Learning to drive is an investment, so it’s worth budgeting from the outset. In addition to driving lessons, remember to factor in the cost of your learner permit, theory test, driving test, insurance and, ultimately, purchasing and maintaining your first car.
- Don’t be discouraged if you’re learning later in life – While there are advantages to starting young, there’s no age limit on learning to drive. Whether you’re learning for work, family commitments or simply for greater independence, becoming a safe and confident driver can open up new opportunities at any stage of life.