Almost a third of young people wish they could drive but find the cost of learning prohibitive, according to a new study.

A survey of more than 1,000 young people without licences found that 31 percent claimed they would learn to drive if they could afford it.

While some respondents said they had chosen not to drive because of environmental concerns (8 percent) and a further six percent claimed there was ‘no point’ in learning because driverless cars will make motorists redundant, financial concerns were by far the most common reason for not taking the test.

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According to number plate site Click4reg.co.uk, which carried out the research, the total cost of learning to drive is over £1,300, with an extra £219 cost for each failed test.

Costs include the DVLA’s £4.99 Theory Test Kit app and the £23 theory test, as well as the £75 practical test. The vast majority of the cost, though, is accounted for by the 47 hour-long lessons the DfT recommends all new drivers should undertake. At an average cost of £24 per hour, the total for lessons alone comes to more than £1,100.

Elie Fakhoury, managing director of Click4reg.co.uk said the ‘extortionate’ costs involved with learning to drive meant it was important for drivers to ensure they were ready for the practical test to minimise the expense of failing.

‘It is no secret that learning to drive comes with a substantial price tag,’ he said. ‘It is no wonder young people are choosing to wait longer until they begin lessons – especially if the cost of learning totals an extortionate £1,300. When learning, it is important not to rush. Book your test when your instructor thinks you’re ready, to avoid having to pay out more money if you don’t pass first time.’