Motorists are getting their first car at a younger age than ever before, according to a survey published today by Swinton.
The study found that of those now aged between 18 and 24 more than two thirds (68%) had acquired their first car while still in their teens, compared with only 28% of drivers now aged 65 or over.
Young men have always been in much more of a hurry to get behind the wheel than young women.
Regardless of age, half (50%) of all men had become car owners by the time they were 20 compared with only 38% of women.
A spokesperson said: “At a time when the cost of car ownership is higher than ever, with both fuel and insurance costs rising steeply, getting a car remains a priority – especially for young men.
“Although the number of drivers of each sex who have passed their test before they’re 20 is similar (38% of men and 35% of women), owning a car seems to be a ‘rite of passage’ for young men.
“Unfortunately, one out of every five will also experience a serious accident within their first year of driving. Young men are twice as likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision than young women and although the number of accidents on Britain’s roads is thankfully falling, the proportion suffered by young drivers is rising.”
