EV's and learning to drive

[SWoll]

Have a bit of a quandary so would like you views.

My daughter is 18 and looking to learn to drive in the next 6 months. She commutes to University 3-4 times a week via train and will continue to do so for the next 3-4 years as driving would take longer and cost more so no actual need for a car yet, she just wants to get her license done and out of the way.

With the increasing availability of EV's I'm struggling to see the point in her learning to drive in a car with a manual gearbox in 2020. Apparently learning in an auto is far easier and quicker (therefore cheaper which makes sense) and my assumption is that by the time she's wants a car for herself an EV will be the natural choice (used Zoe, i3 etc.).

What do you think? Too restrictive having an auto only license or does it make more sense nowadays?

Cheers

[SWoll]

CubanPete said:

It does make sense in many ways, and I wonder where we will be if / when my daughter learns to drive.

I believe an auto only license leads to more expensive insurance, regardless of car type driven. Autos also being more expensive to insure than manuals on top of that, so this may be a consideration to add into the maths.

I didn't realise the cost of insurance can rise so significantly to be honest so thanks for that.

This artcle from Admiral back in 2016 suggest a 5% increase in premiums for auto's, which is fine, but a whopping 43% increase for auto only license drivers.

https://www.admiral.com/magazine/guides/car-insura...

Need to get onto comparethemarket and see if that still holds true.

aka_kerrly said:

Everyone I've ever met who has an auto only licence is woeful at driving

20% higher claims frequency than people with a full license apparently so would seem to be a fair comment. Surprises me as you'd think they would have had more time devoted to observation and car control rather than synching up their left foot/hand..

Edited by SWoll on Thursday 17th October 13:08

Edited by SWoll on Thursday 17th October 13:09