The Rise of the Backseat Driver: Are Fewer People Driving?

If it feels like fewer people you know are driving these days, you’re not imagining it. Across the UK, there are less people getting their driving licence - with more of us content to stay in the passenger seat. 

Why? There are many factors, from rising car running costs to improved public transport and a growing focus on sustainability, all of which have led to a steady decline in the number of licence holders in recent years. And while that might ease congestion in cities, it’s creating something new: the rise of the backseat driver. 

Once a term for someone who can’t help offering unwanted advice, the “backseat driver” has taken on a new meaning: a growing number of people who don’t drive at all, but still have plenty to say about it.

Driving decline by the numbers

When looking at the Department for Transport figures, the proportion of people aged 17–20 holding a full driving licence has fallen since the early 1990s. More recently, the proportion of people within that age bracket with a full driving licence dropped from 35% in 2019 to 29% in 2023. Even among those in their late 20s and early 30s (once the peak driving demographic), there’s been a decline. 

Several factors are behind this trend. The average cost of learning to drive now exceeds £2,000, while first-year insurance premiums for new drivers can easily add another £1,000 or more. At the same time, big cities have become better connected. Let’s take a look at some of these reasons in more detail.

Why are fewer people learning to drive?

Learning to drive used to be a teenage milestone; the first taste of freedom and independence. But today, that journey is being delayed - or skipped altogether. 

One major factor is cost. With household budgets under pressure, the expense of driving lessons, insurance, and vehicle upkeep can make learning to drive feel out of reach. For many, the choice isn’t about motivation - it’s about money. 

Urbanisation is another key influence. In larger towns and cities, public transport networks and cycling infrastructure are more reliable than ever, making it easier to get around without owning a car. Parking restrictions and low-emission zones also make driving less appealing for daily use. 

There’s also a cultural shift. Environmental awareness has changed how people think about transport, with greater emphasis on reducing emissions and congestion. For some, that means sharing rides, driving less often, or avoiding it altogether. 

Finally, technology has played its part, too. The convenience of on-demand transport, home delivery services, and a rise in remote working means far fewer daily commutes, and fewer drivers overall.

The confidence gap: the new backseat driver

With less people driving, there’s been a quiet change in confidence on the road. This is where the idea of the “backseat driver” takes on a new meaning. It’s no longer just the person telling you when to brake, or which lane you should be in. It’s the growing number of people who aren’t confident drivers themselves, but still feel connected to the conversation around driving. 

And that’s not necessarily negative. It highlights how driving remains central to daily life and identity in the UK, even for those who don’t drive. However, it also points to a wider skill gap. When fewer people have first-hand driving experience, there’s less understanding of road dynamics, car safety, and the realities of vehicle ownership. That can make being behind the wheel more intimidating - especially for newly-passed drivers.

From necessity to lifestyle choice

Not so long ago, driving was seen as essential - a practical skill everyone needed. Now, for many, it’s become a lifestyle choice. 

That doesn’t mean driving has lost its value; it just plays a different role. For rural communities, families, and professionals, driving remains a vital skill; a gateway to independence, opportunity, and mobility. For others, it’s something they dip in and out of depending on where life takes them. 

The result? Fewer drivers, but a wider variety of attitudes towards driving, from passionate enthusiasts to occasional users and lifelong passengers.

Why driving still matters

Even as public transport expands and urban car use declines, there’s still something unique about the freedom of driving. Being able to get behind the wheel means flexibility - visiting friends, taking a spontaneous trip, or getting to work when other options fall through. 

Driving confidence is also a safety consideration. Understanding how a vehicle behaves, when it needs maintenance, or how to respond in different weather conditions all come with experience. That’s where services like Kwik Fit can help, keeping vehicles safe, roadworthy, and reliable for the journeys that matter most. 

While fewer people are driving, those who do are driving more efficiently, safely, and with greater awareness than ever. And as technology continues to evolve (from electric vehicles to ADAS systems), confidence and understanding behind the wheel will remain essential.

Looking ahead: the future of driving in the UK

The bigger question isn’t just whether fewer drivers are getting behind the wheel; it’s how driving itself will continue to evolve. Electric vehicles, automation, and smarter infrastructure are already reshaping what it means to drive. 

For some, that future could make driving easier and more accessible again. For others, it may only reinforce the choice to rely on public transport or shared mobility. But whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the ability to drive, and to do so confidently and safely, will always have value.

Keeping Britain driving

Feeling confident on the road starts with keeping your car in top condition. From reliable tyres and expert servicing to MOTs, Kwik Fit is committed to keeping Britain driving safely, confidently, and for years to come.