Driving used to be like a romantic adventure. Now it’s just boring
Is it really a surprise that teenagers aren’t learning to drive any more, asks
I’m saddened, but not surprised, that the number of teenagers who want to learn to drive has fallen by nearly 30 per cent, in a decade. They were born too late. I couldn’t wait to learn to drive. I had lessons for my 17th birthday and two months later – “I’ve passed!” I shouted at my mum, as I arrived home – promptly reversed into the front gate. Getting a driving licence was a rite of passage. We all wanted our independence. I was mortified when my dad collected me from parties or dances. I nagged my parents to take me out “for practice”, between lessons.
Dad started smoking again, after I took a roundabout on the Kingston Bypass on two wheels, but I got better.
And I loved everything about it: the skill needed to change gear smoothly (I learned to double de-clutch), the distinctive quirks of each car I owned – my first was a £10, Austin Big 7; then came Blodwen, my faithful Morris Minor (bought in Wales); but my favourite was my Triumph Herald convertible, known as The Ark (’Ark the ’Erald). The car you chose said a lot about you. I didn’t like “posh” cars but I was impressed that my first boyfriend owned a 1932 Riley Gamecock, with running boards. I drove it through Richmond Park with my friend Lyndy and everyone waved at us. Only later I discovered that they had been trying to flag me down because I hadn’t released the chaindriven handbrake and the brakes were on fire.
Driving was romantic; an adventure. It was years before mobile phones: we drove off and no one knew where we were. We all dreamed we were in a Cadillac, as we “snogged” in the back of a Mini, windows steamed up. But driving, like flying, has lost its romance. For today’s teenagers, independence seems to be the last thing they want – often choosing to live at home, accepting lifts from mum and dad. It’s claimed they can’t afford cars and tuition fees are blamed. That it’s “safer” to get Ubers everywhere or to get collected by “Daddison Lee” – to paraphrase a well known cab company.
But the main reason for the young’s lack of interest, is that driving is now so dull. In the past, cars were distinctive, we gave them names and talked about them with affection. But now, can you even tell a Hyundai from a Toyota?
Today’s teens can’t even feel they are being challenged, learning a demanding new skill. Most cars are automatic and many will even park themselves. All you really have to do is look where you’re going. Nor is there any thrill in heading for the open road, because there are so few of them left.
My daughter lived in London most of her young life and didn’t need a car. She only passed her test, aged 35, after moving to the country, but wishes she’d done it years ago.
This month, my 17-year-old granddaughter has started lessons. She says it’s “scary” but can’t wait to “not have to ask Mum to take me everywhere”.
I’m teaching her to double de-clutch.