Rising motoring costs for young drivers are bringing the era of the free lift to an end, new research suggests.
Compare the Market surveyed 2,000 drivers aged between 18 and 34 and found that 44% were giving fewer lifts because of the overall expense of driving. A further 22% had refused lifts they would once have offered.
At the time of the survey, official figures showed petrol prices were around 30.7p per litre higher than a year earlier, while diesel had risen by approximately 44.8p per litre.
Petrol money becomes the new normal
Nearly one-third of young drivers who had not previously requested petrol money had started doing so within the previous six months. Another quarter were considering asking passengers to contribute.
Among those already accepting petrol money, 79% had increased the amount requested because of rising running costs, with 33% reporting a significant increase.
Drivers asked for an average of £3.46 per passenger. However, more than a quarter said the amount depended on the distance travelled, while one in ten requested up to £10 for each journey.
Only 15% thought passengers should pay nothing towards the cost.
A useful conversation for learners
The findings could provide a useful starting point for lessons covering independent driving and life after the test.
Learners may focus on buying their first car and obtaining insurance, but fuel, maintenance, repairs, servicing and other expenses can quickly add up. Discussing economical driving and realistic vehicle-running costs can help learners understand the financial side of becoming an independent driver.
Amy Rootham, car insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “As young drivers look for ways to offset rising running costs, asking passengers to pitch in is quickly becoming the new normal.”
