Millennial drivers born between 1981 and 1996 have been named the most penalised generation, surpassing both Gen X and Gen Z on a per capita basis, according to a new report by used car specialists, Available Car.
The report, based on multiple Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the DVLA and an analysis of full licence holders across the UK by postal town uncovers the extent of reckless driving and reveals which generations have accumulated the most points on their licences.
Despite Generation X possessing the highest volume of points with 974,414 currently assigned to those who were born between 1965 – 1980, when compared to the volume of licence holders, Millennials top the ranking.
Drivers who were born between 1981 – 1996 have accumulated 959,255 points in the 11-26 years they have been driving on UK roads. On average, millennial drivers, have accumulated approximately 51,852 points per year.
Drivers born between 1981 and 1996 have accumulated a total of 959,255 points over their 11 to 26 years on UK roads. This means, on average, millennial drivers have racked up approximately 51,852 points per year.
Despite being the newest generation of drivers, with the shortest time spent on the roads, Generation Z has 7.1% of its drivers accumulating points, a figure significantly higher than that of Baby Boomers, who have at least 33 more years of driving experience.
When looking into gender splits, Generation Z males have the highest percentage of points, with 11.2% of drivers in possession of penalties. This is more than double the volume of female drivers of the same generation. The percentage doubles across all generations with males holding a considerably higher number of driving penalties.
Lifestyle demands, greater time spent on the road, technological distractions, risk-taking behaviour, and economic pressures may all contribute to the higher percentage of driving licence points among millennials.
Furthermore, although insurance premiums rise with accumulating points, millennials may have yet to experience the full financial consequences of these penalties as older drivers do, who often face higher premiums that affect their families.
This discrepancy may result in millennials exercising less caution in avoiding infractions that lead to points.
