Why Gen Z is DITCHING Driving | Why it’s a PROBLEM

[@person.X.]

People in the West are generally getting poorer and poorer. Things that used to be fairly normal are becoming unaffordable such as car ownership for younger people or even owning your own home. Unless things change it looks like the standard of living in the UK peaked in the early 2000s.

[@Get-Native]

I’ve spent over £20,000 on car insurance since I passed my test 14 years ago. It was never a case of ‘what car do I want’ it was ‘what can I afford to insure’. Even now I’m paying above the odds just because someone crashed into my bumper at 10mph, then called insurance company and started a claim and then cancelled it. Even though a claim wasn’t made, the premiums went up. I wonder why young people today can’t be bothered.

[@dungareesareforfools]

Doesn't help that there's nowhere to go... no pubs, no shops, hardly any clubs... All their friends are online.

[@daddymulk]

Sound like there plan is working perfectly, 15 minute Cities and you'll own nothing

[@NathanTEG]

Bang on.

[@rocketmunkey1]

I think "ditching" is the wrong word, Its not that they don't want to drive, its that it's been made economically difficult to own a car with the rising cost of insurance ect ect. There are record numbers of young people who don't own their own home, but thats not because they don't want a home of their own, its because new house prices are too high. And we all know who's fault both of these things are don't we, politicians and their 'sponsors' !

[@bolek-trolek]

they basically don't want to own stuff, i say that because they consistently demand stuff that makes everything expensive. their public and free school teacher didn't explain them basic economics so the poor low capacity thingies can't possibly know that every tax on the rich is paid by the end consumer 🤡

[@matthewgodwin3050]

In 1998, my first car (5 year old Rover Metro) cost me £2500, and the insurance was £800; all paid for by myself. My neighbour's 18 year old grandson has just bought an 11 year old Fiesta for £6500, and his insurance is £2800; his family have had to help him. £9k+ for a first car! No wonder so few youngsters are buying cars.

[@rocketmunkey1]

@@matthewgodwin3050 Exactly and its only going to get worse with EV's, buy a second hand EV for 5K and then have the high probability of a bill for a further 15k for a new battery.

[@sandymackenzie5736]

Thats an easy one. governments war on cars (including trying to price everyone off the road - doesn't affect the rich enough to care funny that. Nice quiet roads for them)

[@iCozzh]

I dont get that argument or conspiracy. The motor industry generates huge amounts of revenue for the UK. We’d be fkd if they priced everyone out of a car.

[@ScottishCarClan]

@@iCozzhquestion is… where would they make it up from?

[@marcus.H]

Tbf, it's never been better to travel without petrol and all the costs. I kept my ebike for years and years because it had 100 miles range and I only wanted to potter round local towns. No license needed, no road tax for bicycles, no fuel to buy and no parking restrictions. I usually turned up at the same time as my friends when they parked up if it was less than 2 miles because bicycles are less stop start than cars are. People want free transportation and today we have that option. I just couldn't see any benefit to driving back then (except when it was raining heavily). It was about 200 miles for a pound of electric. It's not a bad option tbf

[@johnmartin7158]

@@iCozzh. It’s pointless doing any type of blame game.

[@Brandon-ff9my]

​@@iCozzhWhether its a conspiracy or not about their intentions, the fact is that a combination of factors are pricing more and more out of driving. Tax, insurance getting insane, car prices in general increasing, many more types of charges and fines.

[@AlexMitchell-i1g]

So they won't have a house, they won't have a car and what kinds of jobs will be on offer. I just heard they are increasing air fares too now as well so holidays will become more expensive. Own nothing and be happy? We are heading into a hell.

[@oggie1967]

Jesus! I was sitting in my mum's Mini, at 5 to midnight waiting until I was seventeen to hit the road! At 57 I still love driving! What a tragic shame!😞🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@williambell12]

Same here mate. Sitting on my Honda CB125, 5 minutes before midnight. August '74. 67 now. Cheers all from New Zealand

[@johnthomson3070]

That made me chuckle. I was exactly the same. It was my Mum's mini also at midnight on my 17th birthday.

[@robertasviskupaitis9195]

It is near impossible to be able to drive nowadays for a young person. It was difficult even for me when I came to UK in 2017 and I was 21. 1.INSURANCE- it has gone SOOOO ridiculously expensive now. I had my licence since 18 in Lithuania, I changed to UK licence and a 1.4 petrol vauxhall astra cost me 2k to insure, toyota avensis 2.0 (taxi driver car, old mans car SLOW AF) cost 1.8k to insure in M29 post code (in M40 closer to city centre cost 6k btw, so you can't drive at ALL) 2. Cars are now more expensive, fixing them is more expensive than before. Salaries haven't changed all that much but insurance and servicing costs are now ridiculous. SO I totally get why there are FAR less young drivers now just because they get penalised financially if they do opt to drive. 3. Car insurance in the UK is literally a MASSIVE F-ing SCAM. Even if you are not at fault in any way in an accident your next year's insurance quote can easily double for fun and then you won't be able to drive ANYWAY

[@tonyireland2234]

go home then.

[@iRemainNameless]

Yes. They can't afford to live and have any little treats like a fancy coffee - not to mention a car. It's out of reach for young people today.

[@peterlangan1181]

All of this is totally deliberate. ICE cars are being penalised to drive them off the road. ICE drivers pay more on insurance to cover EV claims….how wrong is that. EV’s are never going to work unless some better tech comes along and by then you can bet that you won’t be allowed to drive at all, it will be AI doing the driving and if the authorities don’t want you going anywhere….well you won’t! The grid can’t handle loads of EVs so they will push the car that you don’t own that everybody uses. It’s like motor bikes, they need chrome on certain parts like suspension dampers etc. They are banning it because making the chrome pollutes is the reason. It will no doubt though have the effect of pushing motor bikes off the road. It’s all about controlling us. That’s it, nothing else. The current system of government is not fit for purpose, it’s not democratic and those in charge are getting dangerously authoritarian. The system needs changing to one that we approve of ASAP!

[@bordersw1239]

It’s going to have a massive effect on youngsters training for certain jobs. You’re unlikely to become a teacher or anything within the health services if you can’t drive, let alone apprenticeships if you live outside of a city.

[@Micksterg43]

Labour isn't to blame, the war on the motorist has been going on for many years. New cars now are all profits Vs cost, uninspiring SUV blobs built on an budget and not to last 😞

[@johnwalsh5703]

Successive governments are to blame for the pit we are descending into

[@markburnett947]

Blame the EU for forcing so many changes on manufacturers. Small car Skoda 12 year ago about 13k I think I paid for diesel Monte Carlo, now it's about 25k

[@simonh870]

They cannot be happy with public transport. The few times that I have used it recently it has been absolutely awful. It takes too long, you have to wait for it and more often than not there is someone with questionable personal hygiene sitting not far away from you.

[@jackjoules8983]

I just don't understand who they think is going to work soon , they think someone's going to spend 40k on a car to get to a job in a factory, or a builder is going to buy a 60k van to move his tools. yet they are trying to stop anyone working from home where they could live without a car

[@peterszczesiak6025]

Depending on where you live public transport can be excellent. Plus parking charges in towns stops it being affordable so its public transport for them.

[@gravemind6536]

I've worked in public transport (Buses) why young people use it I don't know it's slow, it's unreliable and restrictive. If it wasn't for the bus fare cap from the government it wouldn't even be cheap.

[@dannymullins4356]

They're using Uber and the like.

[@gravemind6536]

@@dannymullins4356 Oh yeah scummy Uber who will quadruple your fair because surge pricing at muh peak times.

[@rmcdougall4552]

Same situation in Canada 🇨🇦. 17-plus year olds have no interest in driving and owning a car. Too cost prohibitive on a number of fronts. & modern cars are shite. 💩

[@thefrenchareharlequins2743]

Proud to be part of that 1/3rd.

[@Stura_tv]

3800 poinds to cover my 20 year old in a 200 pound corsa... why drive when the rates are stupid

[@Hali88]

You must be a high risk person in a high risk area

[@Leon_George]

@@Hali88 dude, you are just old.

[@dontpanicblink]

its like they dont want business

[@leonpalmer2429]

Don't buy a Corsa as it's one of the most stolen and crashed cars so insurance class them as a high risk vehicle. Go for something that is not popular the insurance will be much cheaper

[@robertasviskupaitis9195]

@leonpalmer2429 yeah but still will be 2k easy. Guarantee you and plus a black box to track your speed, braking and so on

[@andyburnett8012]

Yes mate, totally agree. At age 18 in 1983 my first road trip to Cornwall with a mate, tented for three days, got wasted on beer and rum, but spent a whole day in motor factors buying 'accessories' for my Toyota Starlet, ie furry dash, air fresheners, uprated cassette player (😂) and chrome wheel trims for my steel wheels. Loved it! That feeling has stayed with me until now, age 60 and still making my car how I want it, and still visiting motor factors and now ebay 😂

[@langdonfairchild1st805]

When the government takes all your cars. We can watch them drive to work.

[@Piecenotwar]

Insurance companies can charge whatever they want because it’s compulsory. If it wasn’t mandatory it would introduce competition in the market otherwise you wouldn’t bother buying it. A better system would be to have basic 3rd party cover as part of your road tax contribution and if you want comprehensive insurance you pay extra for it with an insurance company.

[@onepalproductions]

The business of insurance started long ago, we referred to insurers as pirates. If not adequately compensated, a merchant would have his cargo skuttled. This was the birth of modern-day insurance, and their skull and crossbones emblem, still lives on in the symbolism of the highest echelons of human society today.

[@MrBrendanrex]

What do you mean by 'basic' 3rd party cover? If you hit someone else, the other driver that isn't at fault is going to expect your insurance company to cover all the costs of repairing or replacing their car. If they break their spine and have to spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair, they're going to expect your insurance to pay for adapting their home and paying for nursing care and compensation for loss of income.

[@Piecenotwar]

@ 3rd party, as in cover for personal injury only, charge a bit extra for the annual road tax but have it include injury over. Then there’s less chance of someone being uninsured and at least providing basic medical coverage and injury insurance. If people want to chance damaging another vehicle and being pursued for damages then let them.

[@Piecenotwar]

@ If you have full comprehensive insurance yourself it should protect you from a “uninsured driver”, the insurance company can then chase an uninsured driver for compensation.

[@MrBrendanrex]

@@Piecenotwar There's no point pursuing someone for damages if they don't have any money to pay medical bills and compensation. One thing that makes insurance expensive in the UK is that 3rd party liability is unlimited.

[@Hayley1993]

Definitely agree. The likes of Top Gear and even Fifth Gear really inspired a generation of car enthusiasts and short form content just doesn’t hit the mark. The only time I see news about a new car is about awful EVs I.e Jag. There’s been a massive generational shift for driving and cars.

[@stevewhitmill2037]

But now motoring programmes are only showing expensive cars.

[@boombox2661]

Are we going to let this happen? My guess is civil unrest. Everyone has had enough.

[@dazzaMusic]

The era of surveillance is what’s stopping this so far, if your caught on camera they immediately come for you.

[@leonpalmer2429]

😂😂😂😂 UK people are to dolicile and subservient

[@Gearhead90]

Britain doesn’t have the guts for civil unrest anymore because half of them aren’t British it’s simple

[@onepalproductions]

Civil unrest? Are you joking? People are far too busy with mass-organised sports, dancing celebrities, and TikTok.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

@@onepalproductions oiiiiiiiveyyyyyyyyyyy

[@jacobpowell1882]

The flip side is that thanks to Karen’s cars have to come with ridiculous safety instruments which drives up the price, manufacturers want to nickel and dime or all the features. And they are becoming increasingly harder to diagnose and fix. Todays cars suck.

[@underdog_italy4238]

Same situation everywhere, at least in the West.....but that's the least of Gen Z's problems🤣🤣🤣

[@stevewhitmill2037]

Being self entitled and lazy is the main problem.

[@AlexParkYT]

@@stevewhitmill2037 ok boomer

[@JAHIDxJD]

@@stevewhitmill2037mate you’re taking the piss

[@peteg8920]

They cannot find an affordable place to live when they eventually leave home , let alone a car.

[@jackdubz4247]

The Tories have a lot to answer for. It's a shame that their pals in the right-wing MSM never held them to account for anything. And yet, once Labour come into power, everything is now their fault.

[@person.X.]

@@jackdubz4247 Yes it is laughable. The Conservatives always destroy the UK and Labour have to pick up the pieces yet get the blame for the actions of previous inept and destructive Tory governments. In the 80s and 90s there was the expression "public squalor, private wealth". Public services and infrastructure were underinvested in and run down by Thatcher and Major back then too but people seem to have forgotten.

[@ae5668]

Right wing MSM pull the other one.

[@christianolssontravels]

here´s one... Because of "curling" from parents driving the kids everywhere anytime, why should they get their own transport when parents and other adults are their personal taxis? Why should they even get a job?

[@SteveEileenMartindale]

The effect on our society of a fall in car ownership will be profound. Outdoor leisure activities, camping, caravanning, mountain walking, canoeing, in fact all activities, for which you currently need a car, will be hit hard. Living in rural areas will become difficult unless you are an Elite car owner. One could almost imagine this is part of a concerted 'drive' to corral the 'hoi-polloi' into urban enclaves and keep the countryside for the elites.

[@SweBeach2023]

But the cities where young people actually wish to live will be much more livable.

[@paulmoore6345]

My daughter and a lot of her friends just aren't interested in cars or driving. Nothing to do with government, they prefer to use public transport and taxis. And to be honest with the cost of motoring they are probably saving money!

[@williamglaister3560]

When are the people in charge (lol) going to realise that the car is required for EVERYTHING!!!!

[@mikec3698]

All your comments spot on. I especially liked the one about the Elites being the first people to afford cars & they would be the last. This is a regular thing I have been telling my friends & family for years now. They all told me I was talking rubbish. I"m quite enjoying this, I told you so moment !!! ATB Mike

[@nigelfarley814]

I remember being interested in two things, Cars and Girls. Having one led to the other so to speak.

[@Ronick-Q-46]

I'll bet that made you a back seat driver, 😂😜

[@clovermark39]

My son is a Gen z. He was all keen on driving and taking lessons then pdemic happened and his enthusiasm wained if he ever wanted to drive. He now has an ebike and goes everywhere on that.

[@arisaga822]

Thank Greta and Klaus.

[@zm321]

You will own nothing and WON'T be happy.

[@topfuelteddy]

Hate those bloody electric scooter things , absolutely no control over them , some on the road, some on the path , if anyone on one hits me or my family they're getting sued to death .

[@simonh870]

You have to catch the person first, they are not legal or registered.

[@topfuelteddy]

@simonh870 Good point, I've even seen the "legal" orange ones on both pavements and roads , but I do take your point , the non council ones should just be confiscated but the police don't give a toss .

[@sergeantmajorzero7482]

There are loads on illegal electric scooters here in Milton Keynes. But the law is not enforced by the police, unless you say hurty words on Twatter, then you'll get raided at 3am (by a van full of armed officers).

[@AR-dn6kh]

Funny that ,police scotland in my area seized a load of e scooters and were criticised for not catching " real criminals" . So in your opinion they have caught "real criminals "😂😂​@@sergeantmajorzero7482

[@topfuelteddy]

@sergeantmajorzero7482 Never a truer word, what a mess we live in .

[@7s29]

My neighbour has a 26 yr old son that uses uber everywhere. He doesn't work, so he walks most of the time. His father tried to teach him to drive, but he was either too scared or isn't interested.

[@iCozzh]

Honestly Insurance costs is the main barrier. Its an absolute disgrace. My Girlfriend passed her test recently (she’s 21), good area, her quotes for a 1.25 2015 fiesta was £2,400… i managed to ratchet it down to £1400 but its still a biblical amount for what the car is alongside her being 21 not 17 and Of course the policy has a blackbox.

[@Ianrobinson981]

I was so lucky 1979 I was 16 working the local council as a gardener. I could drive the mini pickup across a playing field when marking out football pitches. Got my driving licence at 17 I’ve been a total petrol head ever since.

[@thejamesieboy]

My niece turns 17 in may, and has been wanting a car of her own for a while now. I am so proud of her. She can't wait to get out and learn, my sister is going to teach her like she did my nephew. My sister has been taking her to a local industrial estate late at night, to drive around it a little and she is good. I remember being desperate to drive from when I can remember. I was told by someone after I passed my test (first time), the novelty would soon wear off. Well I was 17 then and now I am 45 and it still hasn't worn off lol.

[@kenzohkw]

The joys of driving never wears off for true petrolheads 😁

[@alisonjones9089]

Gen Z would find it grossly unfair if they failed a driving test. So they avoid it!

[@Leon_George]

do you know how much a driving lesson costs?

[@tonyireland2234]

But I'm an influencer.

[@tonyireland2234]

@@Leon_George They was free for everyone born before you.

[@onepalproductions]

@@Leon_George They were £7/hr in 1984. I had to buy 4 lesson before I was ready for my test.

[@jendrizzyy]

I’m not Gen Z and I can tell you the tests are ridiculous, they’ve put too many hoops and regulations in the way, calling people lazy isn’t gonna cut it anyone, the government know what they’re doing and to be honest, it’s evil

[@gravemind6536]

If I was 17 again today I wouldn't be able to afford to get on the road and I only passed my test 7 years ago in the course of 7 years insurance tripled, VED much higher and car prices over double what they were.

[@donaldmcshannon2331]

More and more people will just drive uninsured. Simples !

[@GT380man]

I was 17 in 1977. All I wanted was a motorcycle. When I was 16, I bought a very used Yamaha 125. My mate kept it in his garage until my 17th birthday, when he rode it over to mine and then departed as pillion on his mates bigger bike. I’ve owned bikes continuously since then right up to today. Got my full bike license a few months later. Car licence only five years later.

[@davidcrawford8583]

I'm 50 next month, I had my dream car at 20, a Fiesta RS turbo. Insurance back in 1995 was £3,700 a year. Crazy price, but I could just afford it, I treated that car like gold. My ex has a son who is now 27, took one driving lesson, didn't both but he lives in a city. I couldn't wait to get out of my tiny village in the middle of nowhere when I was 17. That has a lot to do with it I think also.

[@dogmadogma5398]

WEF overlords and BLACK ROCK enforced DEI

[@jackdubz4247]

Wow. So much idiocy in one comment.

[@Carlo_q9545]

It’s far too expensive for them. Grand and half for lessons and test. Several thousand for a car then several thousand for insurance. Why would anyone want to even try and get on the road?

[@tonyireland2234]

I agree.I got paid to take driving lessons.The examiner bribed me to pass and Porsche gave me a brand new 911 turbo.

[@Carlo_q9545]

@ wtf are you on about????

[@NealPalmer-x9e]

Ridiculous mandates. Look at UN targets and it’s very clear they don’t want private ownership. My first car was a 1985 1.0l beige Polo. Adored it, obviously I really wanted was a Mk2 Golf GTI 16v

[@alanmacdonald7599]

This will not be good news to manufacturers.

[@Piecenotwar]

It has been coming for years, manufacturers could have done something about it but didn’t, it’s been obvious for the past decade that EVs are the future. I suspect quite a few legacy car manufacturers will either end up going bankrupt, Merging together to reduce costs or/and ending up under Chinese ownership. Particularly the German ones.

[@justinbuckley]

I passed at 19 in late 2021 and felt like I was getting shafted as I was an apprentice earning £5 ish an hour, getting into motoring right when fuel prices started sky rocketing (I think I was paying approx £2/litre+ for diesel), insurance companies demanding £1,800++ and driving lessons also being a lot higher than a few years prior. Interest rates spiralling also doesnt help, although I think this makes a huge difference ultimately. I had previously booked my theory test for April 2020, which got cancelled so that was also of no help. At this point I’m glad I’ve done it, my insurance has came down considerably and so has the cost of fuel, but can’t help but think it’s probably still just as hard for others my age, especially if they are trying to live on their own.

[@ae5668]

Nothing has changed i passed in 1999 my first years insurance was £1700 on a 1.1 by the third year it was £1000 being the 90's lucky if you were on 3-4 pound an hour. The minimum wage/stealth tax has pushed driving lesson prices up was about £12 a lesson in 98.

[@davidoldboy5425]

It is one thing relying on public transport living in a city, it is a whole different ball game outside of those cities, but you're right it is just too expensive. I live opposite a driving instructor and he tells me he is struggling with lack of new drivers.

[@craigwilson1604]

I feel sorry for the youth of today full stop because everything is getting expensive but the war on cars the government has is scary because a lot of places will suffer when no one visits because the is less cars are on the road. I'm 53 now and drive a 10yr old juke just because I refuse to pay the prices of new or nearly new cars these days. 2001 I bought a 6 month old Impreza wrx for 10k a car that made me love to drive, and if I remember right it only cost £260 to insure, kids will struggle to insure a 1.0 eco boost these days and the way the government has brain washed the youth about climate change (and I'm old enough to remember the climate catastrophes that didn't happen) I'm not surprised they have given up on driving plus it's about £35 a driving lesson these days.

[@fairmania]

I have two sons at 23 and 19 who want to learn to drive this year. It will be a handy thing to have a license, and while I understood the costs your video just made my heart sink on the affordability of them owning their own vehicles. Looks like it will be one car between the three of us.

[@Se_la_vie]

It would be cheaper to learn the rules of the road on a motor bike, easier transition to cars( you wouldn't spend near as much on driving lessons).

[@doreenhollywood7459]

It is sad that things are so difficult for young drivers. I had to save for weeks to afford my driving lessons as I was a young single mother in my twenties (over 40 years ago) I failed my test three times as my lessons were not consistent but was over the moon when I passed. It took me a year to save for my first car and I had to pay insurance each month as it was so expensive. I am now in my 70s and LOVE my car. I recently bought a second hand Toyota Corolla and it is the very best car ever, in my opinion. My advice to young drivers is don't give up. Save what you can and try out a few cars before you decide to buy anything.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

One important extra consideration is ever increasing congestion. I rarely drive anywhere now without being stuck in a traffic jam or hold up at some stage of my journey. Some cities I visit, like Leeds and York for example, are just easier to get to by public transport and so avoiding the hassle and cost of trying to park. Our buses have a £2 fare. Try even parking for that in your car. If it’s fairly local I’ll walk too. I use the car when it makes sense or simply want to these days. I do think part of the congestion problem is people using their cars when really there’s no need. It’s so easy just to jump in and go, without a thought. I’ve seen people leave the house in the car and they’re back literally minutes later. You can’t tell me you couldn’t have just walked. Better for you and ironically better for your car. Lots of short journeys are about the worst thing you can do to a car.

[@Dave-SmilerAlf]

By the time that I was 21 years old I was on my third and most expensive car, it was a Ford Zodiac mark 3 and it cost me £125 and it was simple and basic and if it went wrong I could fix it myself with parts from the local scrap yard. Move on 50 odd years and prices are crazy and the cars are too complicated for most of us. My wife's car needs a new headlamp and the main dealer wants £816, how can the youngsters cope with that ?

[@stevenrobinson807]

I am 55 and have a 21 year old car that I rarely drive. I cycle to work, cycle to the shops etc etc. Driving is expensive across the board, it’s anything but freedom and generally just a hassle

[@IwasBraveFor2WholeSeconds]

This is going to be a problem in the future there's not going to be enough drivers to keep the country going. Didn't we have a problem of not having enough HGV drivers at one point?

[@VauxhallTigraSpider]

How many guyes here.. still hear the music: highway to the danger zone, or the top gun anthem in your main beast or the weekday commute car .. or the james bond tracks in your classic or v8 weekend toy?

[@Ammotive28]

I live out in the sticks and I’m partial to a bit of street drifting (all done well out of the way in the small hours). 10-20 years in the future, when they have final taxed cars off the road. They will never be able to stop you taking your car (without mot/insurance/tax) out for a spin in the back roads late at night. I feel like the underground drift/race scene will always exist.

[@mikemcnulty6029]

We have an 18 y.o. son and 22 y.o. daughter who has just passed her test. She has been gifted a Honda Jazz by a relative and loves it. However the costs of insurance, zone 4 parking in Edinburgh, fuel, and other running costs means she's better off getting her bus pass which she now has to pay for as she's over 21! Our son says he wants a Tesla when he passes his test...LOL..!

[@gravemind6536]

He wants to win the lottery if he wants to have a Tesla.

[@tonyhodgkinson4586]

The young have themselves to blame as they sided with saint Greta, you reap what you sow.

[@stevep4131]

I think they were hoping for a functioning planet in their old age.

[@AlexParkYT]

Such a nonsense reasoning for a whole economic situation. Narrowminded view.

[@JAHIDxJD]

Who dafaq is Saint greta

[@dazzaMusic]

I’ve been driving for ten years but for the last three my insurance has been increasing even with a car with insurance group 1. I can imagine what it’s like for a young driver right now.

[@alanmitchell6302]

They don't need to leave home to chat to their friends or see anything, it's all online

[@oingpla]

I passed my driving test in 1991, i was 17 and it was £50 to go on my dads insurance, he had a Ford Sierra 2.0 Ghia! I too can see why it's not of interest to youngsters now; do wish dashcams were a thing in the 90's!

[@andyharris5493]

I really hope my Grandsons have the the opportunity to own and drive exciting cars, but sadly the way it's going, that seems less likely. They're both mad on cars which is influenced by my Son who is totally nuts about cars as I am!!. He has grown up modifying Golf GTi's, Vento VR6 etc as I did with Escort Mk1s, SD1 EFi's and Chevy Corvettes and so on. Cars that fuel the passion!!. So sad that it's all going with this EV shit💩💩💩, no smell, no beautiful exhaust or induction noises and no tinkering and oily hands!!. Just cars with connectivity, social media, listening devices, soon kill switches and garbage like that. All about control, freedom is slipping away. We need to enjoy the open roads while we still can!!. Love your interesting and relevant videos, cheers 😊👍

[@daveb2wright]

We have a section of the community which has zero ambition. They have grown up in a bedroom with everything delivered, just playing in a virtual environment! I paid for my partner's son to have driving lessons and he couldn't have been less interested. Just wanted to get back to his playstation. Now has a low paid job with zero opportunity because ha can't/won't drive. Ideal candidate for a fifteen minute city!

[@davefish8107]

And the EU wants to ban old cars getting repaired, when I was young ( many years ago) we all bought old bangers , now the younger ones won’t be able do that

[@johngoard8272]

Well mate I remember the very first car that I ever dove was a Morris Minor 1000 van and it was such a thrill after getting over the initial butterflies. The first car I actually owned was an "F" series Vauxhall Victor which I had to do a lot of work on because of the rust and frankly clapped-out engine that my brother and I took out and replaced parts over five times simply because we had no idea of torque settings, rebores, valve grinds etc etc. Still, we had so much more fun those days as opposed to the throw-away shite one gets now. I live in Australia now (thank goodness) and have had many cars out here on which I had to do some correct repairs, replacements etc I have my current car a from new 2011 Mazda 6 Sports Hatchback is the very best car I have ever owned but I do miss the tinkering because of the computerised systems used today.

[@tonyireland2234]

You sound like a right antique.A bit like me.Doing rotor arms and points etc.I'm 60....

[@gmac7947]

8v Gti big bumper ❤ that was my poison 😂

[@graemejones9707]

Once they all fail to find useful work by 25, then they will get their licences to become a delivery driver.

[@ivortoad]

Due to insurance it's a deterrent to change the wheels, even the stereo, these days. They're difficult to customise. Also, many small cars have been scrapped in government car scrappage schemes.

[@KevinP-y7k]

Gen Z won't need to drive we'll have those 20 minute city's 🇪🇺🇪🇺

[@sol-hb8zg]

Most places are like that anyway lmfao

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

The cost of Learning to drive is also now a significant financial obstical to youngsters too, unless they have some parental assistance for example.

[@gilleyb1900]

Totally agree with you.

[@stevep4131]

Every generation changes and the internet has changed everything. Kids now go from toddlers to teenagers without having a childhood. Then they accept whatever online "influencers" push on them. Fashion, makeup, music and football. No room for anything else. So getting their hands dirty on a car engine is definitely not in the running - even if they could afford it.

[@Ammotive28]

My boy is 16, we’re looking for a k10 Micra for us first car. Got a garage full of cool period correct parts to go on it. I’m doing everything in my power to make sure he car enjoy at least 5-6 years of cars before our masters force EVs on us. His dream car is a ke70 Corolla with a 4ag and 86 running gear. Lads got taste.

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Plus repair costs. The pot holed roads are damaging vehicle's tyres, suspension and exhausts. Suspension units are weaker now due to manufacturers trying to cut weight of the vehicles. Speed cameras, road works, speed humps, zoning and parking charges. Does not sound like freedom anymore, it is a different world and a car race simulation on the PC is probably more stimulating now. No wonder the electric scooter and bike are taking over in urban areas...more fun.

[@gravemind6536]

Another big issue nobody ever mentions is the fact that they keep fitting giant wheels with low profile tyres to everything and the tyres are 70% of the cars suspension it stands to reason impacts in the road from even minor potholes will cause damage when running on these tyres. Why does a 120hp VW Golf for example need 18 or 19 inch wheels? I have 205/55R16 tyres and have never had a single bit of pothole damage.

[@mrtngwr]

Try getting insurance. I pay £18pm for my 1.7D van; My Son who's 24, for a 16 yr. 1.4 Peugeot has to pay £270pm/ £570 deposit. Loads of His peers just drive WITHOUT insurance as the fine for not having it is cheaper than having it. Crazy times.

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

Interesting to think how all these young folk who are abandoning driving plan on getting around for the 18 years their kids will be growing up, for the 40 years they’ll be working or the 20 years or so after that once they’ve retired. Owning a taxi company is sounding like a pretty good business plan.

[@wizzyno1566]

And the tax is insignificant compared to the insurance for a young driver.

[@IwasBraveFor2WholeSeconds]

I'm at the point were I can't wait until I don't need a car or just because I'm too old to drive, I'm 57 and it's just too expensive to run a car every year.

[@Bluejohn]

They cannot afford to rent a flat, pay council tax, water rates , electricity, insurance, food bills, clothing etc. So they have a choice to make and with the price of EV's out of most people's reach and the big price rise in used cars, not to mention an average of around £30 per lesson if you are a learner, a place to live has to be top of the list, so a car and all it's expenses are out for most youngsters. Unless of course they have access to the bank of mom and dad

[@DavyHeb]

Watch your channel all the time, excellent topical subjects about what’s happening in the automotive world. Change is going to gradually happen. I live in a remote village in the Isle of Lewis. My wife and I have cars as the public bus service is very minimal. My daughters in thier twenties moved to Glasgow. Despite being 28 and 23 they don’t have a driving licence. Both are in the city with good public transport. Train, Bus and Subway. They use Uber when needed. Why have an expensive to run car? Also parking charges?

[@steffydog]

I hear you but trends have changed. The youngsters don’t do what we did, they don’t go clubbing either as clubs have gone. They go out for a meal, I don’t think it’s price. They also almost all go to Uni, we didn’t do that either. Life has moved on in 25 years.

[@stasysjakubauskas2074]

And we are all paying for this with our tax money

[@UrbanoDagrippino]

E scooters in Italy will number plate, insurance and helmet

[@bexhill8777]

a 17yr old is but a child these days,at school with 8yrs of schooling still ahead,17 today is the 12 of 20yrs ago. Nothing Lies ahead of them..and they dont see that..

[@Holycurative9610]

I encourage my 16 old to do things and be someone all the time because as parents that's our job. Don't let society, especially government, infect you with apathy and fight for the things that are important.

[@arsyadidris6349]

Another thing to consider thats not related to car ownership but affect people buying cars is e-purchasing. U can basically buy EVERYTHING online nowadays, right down to groceries. U dont need to leave your house anymore. Random Point A to point B thats under 10min drive away? E-hailing. So on top of the ludicrous of car purchase and ownership, the reason for people to buy cars is dwindling. In the end, the only people buying cars r the people who can make money off those cars. And even then, these delivery freelancers always have that option to lease or rent, because they dont want to be tied down to their car’s financials.

[@biggobmalc8118]

You forgot to mention that the bulk of Chinese EV’s are manufactured in factories that are totally dependent on a cheap sustainable supply of electricity. Electricity generated from fossil fuels and in particular in the case of China coal, Notwithstanding the fact that the Chinese have spent billions of Yuan the equivalent to many billions of Uk pounds building a new railway System dedicated specifically to transport these fossil fuels across this vast nation.

[@michaelanderson7708]

I feel the cycle lane agenda is a bigger threat, it makes driving an utterly miserable experience which is compounded when you think of the waste of money and the fact no-one asked for them or is using them

[@davidadams5116]

Just drive without insurance and watch out for speed cameras.

[@casualagent7250]

& tinker with your number plates (yellow & white sticky labels) 😬

[@dbank6107]

Not ideal but I get it totally.

[@djchewmacca]

I was a little later in my teens before i passed my test. I was 19. Would have loved to have done it soon as i turned 17 but at the time i wasn't working. I'm now 45 and my eldest is almost 20 and still can't drive. Always makes excuses why she can't. My son is coming up 17 and has no interest either... wtf.

[@dcarbs2979]

I waited a little for financial reasons. I got my license at 21 and was able to learn (and pass) in a Ferrari. The insurance was £3k then (you can obviously tell it was a while ago). But my philosophy is get the best you can afford and I'd rather pay a little more for something really worth having than scrimping and having something crap.. 20 insurance companies were called, only 2 gave a quote. The other quote was £20k! Long before comparison sites.

[@Holycurative9610]

I live in the sticks with my son and even if we bought a cheap banger, the £1k mark, it would still cost £2k plus for insurance, tax, petrol, running costs/MOT. You need £4k just to get on the road nowadays and that's even if I teach him to drive and he tops up with lessons but college in Gloucester is a 2 hour bus ride, Cheltenham is an hour or more and then from the bus station to college so he needs transport. Most of us drove with no insurance back in the 70s and 80s because it was so expensive. I got a fine of £360 back in 1989, my insurance quote on a mk 3 Cortina was about £1700 (£4500 today) and that's where we're heading again. Last time it took government intervention to rein in the insurance companies, what's it going to take this time!!

[@lukeblundell5610]

Partly down to lack of testing and examiners... ... And partly as you can either live in a house/flat (probably a rented one) and sort the commute... or live in your car when you're young and just starting out earning.

[@LSD04]

Escort Cosworth was my halo car, made it to a mkv XR3i. Currently in a 7.5 GTI and have no idea what my next move will be.

[@richardrichard9631]

Loved my gti 7.5. Fantastic car

[@Piecenotwar]

😂cheaper to buy a Lamborghini now than a Escort cosworth

[@zm321]

The artwork analogy is a really valid point.

[@robertorr5222]

Once the government has taxed car owners including EV's into existence they may well turn to art! Its all about money and how easy it is to tax car owners for anything fuel, driving, parking, owning anything goes!

[@scotspie501douglas7]

100% love your video my son drives a polo basic car and he loves it but what is his next car his tax on the polo is £115 and insurance is dual car insurance at £900 so what is the next route his mates have cars but not old cars PCP cars

[@gavinspiby8304]

What a shit show off a future the kids today have coming

[@chrispomphrett4283]

Gen z on their Chinese scooters will age, and suddenly need to transport children, monthly shops etc, that's why people are learning to drive later in life.

[@seakayak4425]

All very good points mate, I am baffled by the Gov approach

[@martinb.770]

From an old cartoon: "When does life start?" Cleric: At the conception Physician: At the first heartbeat of the fetus State: At birth. Teen boy: With the driving license!!!!!!

[@thomasmanning477]

Im 33, I used to love cars, I had a 370z Nismo for about 5 years. Now, I can't stand how car-centric our country is, and I'd oppose any measures to make it easier to drive. I don't own a car now (still have my van for work), and i make most of my short journeys by bike, and visit relatives on the train. It's much more chilled out, and I honestly prefer it.

[@colliehouse3133]

Let’s hope they make it harder for you to drive your van then.

[@thomasmanning477]

@colliehouse3133 tbf I would support measures that would make it harder to drive my van, if it was in order to implement better cycle or public transport routes.

[@casualagent7250]

When I was 17 I had a car but only a motor cycle licence 😬