Young drivers fork out £140 million every year for basic tasks

Young drivers in Britain lack basic car-maintenance skills, with the majority finding simple tasks such as checking the oil and changing a tyre beyond them. Figures show this lack of knowledge is costing drivers under 25 to pay out over £140million* every year in mechanic fees.

Despite the DVLA introducing a car maintenance section to the practical driving test in September 2003 referred to as the Show Me, Tell Me section – 37 per cent of 18-24 year olds who have passed this test, still struggle when it comes to checking the level of their car’s brake fluid (37 per cent).

Direct Line has found that half of all drivers under 25 (50 per cent) can’t jumpstart their car or replace a tyre (55 per cent) – compared to only 25 per cent and 40 per cent of drivers aged 45 or over.

Likewise, over half of young drivers (55 per cent) lack the know-how to change a headlamp, indicator or brake light bulb, whereas only one in three (35 per cent) of drivers in their late 30s and early 40s have such difficulties.

Further to this, 62 per cent of all young drivers turn to their parents or a mechanic (51 per cent) for help, with each driver admitting to spending an annual average of £111 a year in the process.

Young drivers admitted to forking out cash for the most basic of tasks. Nearly one in three paid to have their oil changed (30 per cent), a quarter to have their brake fluid checked (25 per cent) and one in eight paid to get their tyre replaced (15 per cent).

Emma Holyer, Direct Line’s Motor Spokesperson said:

”It’s not unusual for drivers to feel a little helpless when it comes to car maintenance –however, it is important for drivers to be able to make basic safety checks on their vehicle, such as checking tyre pressure and oil level. These checks are essential before embarking on a long journey and we are urging motorists to ensure they are able to conduct these simple tests rather than relying on parents or mechanics for help.

“Our research also shows that more than four in 10 (43 per cent) drivers have waited for their vehicle’s annual service to fix some of these potentially serious problems. This should be avoided as it is important that all motorists are driving roadworthy vehicles.”

For more information, log on to www.directline.com.

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Emma Holyer/Direct Line Press Office
0208 256 2182 / 07894 158605
Email: emma.holyer@directline.com

Notes to Editors:

* There are 5,704,500 people under aged 17-24 in the UK (ONS) 45 per cent of 17-24 year olds can drive (National Transport Survey) 45 per cent of 5,704,500 = 2,567,025 51% of drivers aged 17-24 admitted to paying out for basic tasks at the cost of £111 per year – 51 per cent of 2,567,025 = 1,309,182 drivers who each pay £111 per year.
Therefore, 1,309,182 x 111 = £145,319,285

The research was carried out on behalf of Direct Line motor insurance by YouGov.
A nationally representative sample of 2291 UK adults were questioned online between 16th to 19th February 2007. Results are weighted to be representative of the UK adult population. YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council.

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