Shropshire Star

Young drivers value driving licence as much as a degree, new research finds

Report by AA Charitable Trust finds young people see a licence as important as a degree or getting married

Published
Embargoed to 0001 Monday September 29 The plastic identity card of a UK driving licence as new figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have revealed that motorists are spending more than £20 million a year to replace lost, stolen or damaged driving licences.

Young drivers today value a driving licence as importantly as a university degree, new research has revealed.

A survey by AA Charitable Trust, a charity launched by the road services company, quizzed 17,024 respondents and found 15 per cent of 18-24-year-olds believe learning to drive is the most valuable life experience – with 10 per cent of all respondents agreeing.

Further still, 12 per cent of young drivers also said they valued a driving licence on par with a university degree or getting married.

Since launching in 2011, the project has seen three drivers pass tests through the AA Driving School, with another test currently booked and a further three young people undertaking lessons currently.

Edmund King, AA Charitable Trust director, said: “When we launched this project in 2011 we were confident it would have a positive impact on disadvantaged young people, but no idea it would be as beneficial as it has been.

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “This is an excellent initiative which has had a really positive impact on the care leavers who have taken part.

“It’s really important that young people leaving care are supported as they begin living independently and I hope the Government and others will look closely at how these pilots can be extended so that many more care leavers can benefit from them in the future.”

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