A new study has revealed the staggering distances covered by British drivers over their lifetimes, with the average motorist set to travel the equivalent of 63 laps around the Earth. The research, commissioned by car manufacturer Honda, paints a detailed picture of the nation's driving and car ownership habits.
The Lifetime Journey of a UK Driver
The poll of 2,000 drivers, conducted by OnePoll.com, calculated that the average person will cover more than one and a half million miles behind the wheel. This epic distance is also equivalent to three round trips to the moon. To complete this journey, drivers will refill their fuel tanks approximately 1,360 times.
When it comes to getting on the road, the study found the average driver takes their test twice before passing. 15 per cent of respondents bought their first car at the age of 17, paying an average of £2,999. Over a lifetime, a driver will typically own five different cars, changing their vehicle every five years on average, although 21 per cent have kept the same car for a decade or longer.
Buying Habits and the Electric Future
The research highlighted what motivates drivers to change their cars. For 46 per cent, the main reason is simply fancying something new, while 42 per cent would only switch if their current vehicle became undriveable. When shopping for a new car, 75 per cent of buyers prioritise price, 56 per cent look for comfort, and 35 per cent remain loyal to a specific brand.
More than a third (37 per cent) tend to buy new cars when making a change. The study also looked at the growing shift towards electrification, finding that 28 per cent are likely to switch to an electric car within the next five years. However, significant barriers remain, with drivers citing high cost (72 per cent), limited charge points (54 per cent), and range anxiety (53 per cent) as key concerns.
Care, Cleaning, and the Evolving Civic
The study delved into how drivers look after their vehicles. It found that 27 per cent clean their car inside and out once every few months, spending an average of 45 minutes on the task. Generation Z drivers are the most fastidious, with 22 per cent cleaning their car once a week—the highest rate of any age group.
Honda commissioned the research to launch its new-look Civic e:HEV. To mark the occasion and demonstrate the model's evolution since its 1972 inception, the brand lined up a range of Civic generations on London's Harley Street, a location famous for cosmetic procedures. Andrew Winfield for Honda said: "We spend a lot of time in our cars, and clearly cover a lot of ground, so it’s only right to make the time spent in it as enjoyable as possible." He added that while some have reservations about electrified vehicles, advancing technology makes it a great time to consider switching.
The research also noted that 25 is the average age drivers first venture onto roads abroad, though 44 per cent admitted they have yet to drive outside the UK.
