For many people, passing your driving test isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s a milestone. A boost in confidence. A first real taste of independence.
But new research suggests it could also have a longer-term impact on earning potential.
According to a recent survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by Veygo, those who passed their driving test before the age of 21 earn £10,000 more per year on average than non-drivers.
Driving alone doesn’t guarantee career success. But the findings highlight how mobility and opportunity are closely linked.
What the research found
The study revealed a notable earning gap:
- Non-drivers earn just under £21,000 a year on average
- Those who passed before 21 earn almost £32,000 on average
- 23% of drivers say they couldn’t do their current job without a full licence
- 39% of non-drivers say they’ve missed out on at least one job because they can’t drive
For some roles, driving is essential. For others, it’s simply advantageous. Being able to commute flexibly, travel between sites, or accept work outside major transport routes can significantly widen your options.
In short, a licence can expand your access to opportunity.
Why learning earlier may create momentum
Passing before 21 doesn’t magically increase your salary. But it can create early momentum.
Those who learned younger said it helped them secure at least one additional job by that age. Early work experience can snowball – stronger CVs, better references and increased confidence when applying for future roles.
Mobility also removes geographical limits. Without relying entirely on public transport, job seekers can consider roles in business parks, rural areas or shifts outside standard hours.
Over time, broader access to work can translate into higher earning potential.
Independence still matters
The motivation to learn young isn’t just financial.
- 53% said they learned to drive to feel more independent
- 45% wanted the freedom to travel
- 34% were encouraged by family
- 33% described passing as a ‘rite of passage’
- 31% wanted to avoid relying on others for lifts
That sense of independence can influence more than convenience. It can shape confidence, decision-making and willingness to pursue opportunities.
By contrast, those who learned later were more likely to say they felt held back. Over a third said they felt less independent than their peers, while others felt restricted by unreliable public transport or limited travel options.
So why doesn’t everyone learn earlier?
Cost remains the biggest barrier. Among those who passed after 21:
- 31% said they couldn’t afford lessons earlier
- 24% lacked confidence
- 21% didn’t have access to a car to practise in
For many young people balancing education, part-time work and living costs, learning to drive can feel financially out of reach. That makes planning and support key.
Thinking about learning? A few practical tips
If you’re considering learning – or encouraging someone else to – a few small steps can make it more manageable:
Start with a simple savings plan: Putting aside small amounts regularly can help spread the cost of lessons and tests.
Build confidence gradually: Private practice with a qualified supervisor can reinforce lessons and reduce nerves.
Book your theory test early: Getting the theory done can create momentum and give you a clear milestone to work towards.
Think long term: Rather than seeing driving purely as a short-term expense, consider how it could expand work and lifestyle options over the next decade.
It’s about opportunity, not guarantees
It’s important to be clear: passing your test before 21 doesn’t automatically add £10,000 to your salary. Career paths depend on industry, education, experience and many other factors.
But the research does underline something significant mobility creates options. And options matter.
Whether it’s applying for a wider range of jobs, travelling independently, or not having to turn down an opportunity because of transport limitations, having a licence can remove practical barriers at a key stage of life.
For many young people, learning to drive isn’t just about getting on the road. It’s about the doors it can open.
If you’re learning to drive and want peace of mind for private practice, get a quote in minutes.