Young people's fear of driving

As reported in the Daily Mail, Tempcover research has revealed that 92% of the UK’s Gen Z drivers find at least one of the most common motoring tasks daunting.

Even though the youngest learners have the highest average pass rate (17-year-olds could boast 61% between 2024 and 2025), many remain scared to drive with:

• 33% saying they ‘often or always feel out of their depth’ when on the road.
• 74% asking someone to take over driving for them.
• 56% believing that their or the other driver’s insurance policy automatically covers them for driving their car.

Asking an experienced family member or friend to take over is a common coping mechanism for nervous drivers, but the above results indicate a lack of insurance knowledge amongst Gen Z could be turning this comfort into a potential legal hazard.

Insurance applies to the vehicle itself and cover is typically restricted to the policyholder and listed ‘named drivers’. Unless the other driver has ‘driving other cars’ cover, they could be driving uninsured, an offence that could lead to:

• A £300 fixed penalty.
• 6 penalty points.
• An unlimited fine.
• Possible disqualification from driving.

To keep everyone safe and legal, drivers could take out temporary car insurance when they need someone more experienced or confident to take the wheel - whether it’s a long journey, city drive or even a local trip which ends with a tricky manoeuvre.

As long as the other driver is qualified to drive, temporary insurance can keep minds at ease and everyone safe. Comprehensive as standard with quotes available in under 2 minutes, this short-term cover is ideal for anyone who needs some support while getting to grips with driving.

Regional anxiety

Driving anxiety is not restricted to one area of the country. Our research found the following:

• 41% of drivers in London would rather walk 10 minutes than attempt to parallel park.
• 41% in the West Midlands find the idea of jump-starting a car ‘daunting’.
• 43% in Wales admit they sometimes feel out of their depth while on the roads.
• 20% in Northern Ireland have cancelled social plans as they felt too ‘daunted’ to drive - this compared to a national average of 12%.
• 36% of Scottish drivers admit they had ‘no idea’ that fronting is classed as insurance fraud.
• 56% of those polled in the North East would drive a long journey (3 hours plus) on their own.
• Only 31% ‘strongly agree’ that they could navigate using only road signs if their GPS failed.

How to get over driving anxiety

How can drivers of all ages overcome this fear of driving? It’s important for nervous drivers to build confidence in a way that suits them.

It might be that they need some more time on the road with an experienced driver, whether that be through refresher lessons with a driving instructor or driving round an empty car park with a friend or family member (don’t forget to cover them with temporary car insurance) as they master their manoeuvres.

With 20% of Gen Z worried about checking oil levels, it’s important for younger drivers to spend some time learning the basic maintenance of the vehicle. This could help ease anxiety around potential breakdowns.

If you have an idea of what went wrong - and how - you’ll feel more in control of the car. To help do this, take some time reading the car maintenance manual or watching a YouTube video so you know what to do - or who to call - if anything goes wrong.

You can also find some driving tips in Tempcover's guide.

The mental health and wellness platform Calm offers the following tips for overcoming driving anxiety:

• Identify the triggers - Whether it’s heavy traffic, high-speed or driving solo, drivers can work on strategies once they realise the cause.
• Try relaxation techniques - Breathing exercises and mindfulness can help calm the nervous system before starting driving.
• Exercise regularly - Regular physical activity can help people feel more relaxed.
• Try visualisation techniques - Before setting off, drivers can imagine they’re on the road and in full control of their emotions.
• Repeat affirmations - Boost confidence by repeating statements like ‘I am safe’.
• Meet yourself with patience - Celebrate the small wins. If someone is anxious about getting in the car and has managed a short drive, that’s something to celebrate.
• Seek help from a professional - Therapists skilled in driving-related phobias can use CBT and techniques to help drivers regain their confidence.
• Try CBT with a professional - Cognitive behavioural therapy can help alter the way young people perceive and react to driving situations.
• Gradual exposure therapy - Gen Z drivers can take out temporary car insurance and enjoy a short drive with a loved one at a quieter time of day. As your confidence grows and you feel more comfortable, extend the time you’re driving and perhaps tackle more difficult routes - but do it on your terms.

Building confidence could do wonders for nervous Gen Z drivers, especially as some have missed out on opportunities (12% didn’t attend a dream job interview and 10% turned down a promotion) due to driving anxiety.

While our stats show some Gen Z motorists may lack confidence in their driving ability, there is an opportunity to boost this as they spend more time behind the wheel, especially if they’re looking to take inspiration from more experienced friends or family members.

Sources

Research was conducted amongst 2,000 UK adult motorists, defined as those with a licence and either their own car or access to a private car, by Mortar Research between 09.02.2026 and 11.02.2026

https://www.tempcover.com/news-room/generation-stall

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15574767/Gen-Z-scared-DRIVING-Car-phobias.html

https://www.calm.com/blog/driving-anxiety

https://anxietycare.org.uk/phobias/driving-phobia/

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/scared-of-driving/