Learning to drive is rapidly becoming unaffordable, with the average total cost set to hit £2,596 in 2026, £137 more than in 2025. This follows a 30% jump in cost over the last five years alone, driven primarily by driving lesson rates that have soared by 37% since 2020. The full study, led by experts at National Scrap Car, projects the total cost of … [Read more...]
Retail
Pavement parking ban can save drivers hundreds
It is claimed that crackdowns could actually save motorists hundreds of pounds by preventing hidden damage caused by pavement parking. Chris Jevons, at JTAPE said, "The UK Government confirmed that local councils will be given new powers to crack down on pavement parking, making it easier for authorities to restrict and fine drivers for parking on or over … [Read more...]
Crime hits a quarter of UK motorists
A quarter of drivers (26%) have fallen victim to vehicle crime such as theft or vandalism in the past 12 months, according to the RAC. Those who live in towns and city centres are much more likely to have been targeted, with 45% of motorists in these areas experiencing vehicle crime compared to just 15% in rural postcodes and one-in-five (20%) in the … [Read more...]
Solberg cleans up on Monte, Evans chases
Toyota youngster becomes youngest winner of the WRC-era Rallye Monte-Carlo in dominant 1-2-3. Oliver Solberg has written his name into the history books after holding his nerve through a treacherous final leg to become the youngest-ever winner of Rallye Monte-Carlo in the FIA World Rally Championship era. Co-driven by Britain's Elliott Edmondson, the … [Read more...]
Mandate can be met, for now – used car dealers
Almost six out of 10 (57%) used car dealers expect the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate for the New Year to be met, according to new research. However, January’s Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 44% of respondents believe the government will soon be forced to revise their targets, and 20% that those for the rest of the decade are … [Read more...]
Understanding EVs is key to growing sales
Helping more drivers understand the benefits of going electric is essential if the UK is to meet its ZEV ambitions so government’s new public campaign launched last week is timely and welcome – helping encourage consumer confidence by cutting through persistent myths while setting out the many advantages that EVs offer. It will highlight the massive vehicle … [Read more...]
Fleets should support new road safety strategy, says Arval UK
Fleets should engage with the consultations contained in the government’s new Road Safety Strategy to ensure that as many of their measures as possible are adopted, says Arval UK. Five separate consultations are now underway – covering motoring offences, the minimum learning period for new drivers, mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers, improved moped … [Read more...]
Graduated driving licences begin in Northern Irelane
Wales and England are likely to follow Northern Ireland after it become the first part of the UK to introduce new rules for new drivers in October in a bid to reduce fatal road crashes involving young people. The graduated driver licensing reforms, described as the most significant changes in 70 years, will see Northern Ireland adopt a version of laws in … [Read more...]
Confidence defined by experience and knowledge
Driving confidence, shaped by experience and knowledge, supports safer driving by helping motorists make timely decisions, stay calm under pressure and navigate challenging situations. Car insurance experts at Uswitch recently surveyed 2,000 UK motorists to explore the situations that put their confidence to the test and the on-road experiences that most … [Read more...]
Wales passes the driving test with shortest delays
Wales is in the driving seat if you are a learner and want a quick test. While many UK learners are facing long waits and rising costs due to driving test delays, Wales stands out as the least affected region. Some areas, like Pembrokeshire, have average waits of less than a month, meaning learners can stay test-ready without piling on extra lessons or … [Read more...]
