- Active car club memberships have risen by 143% since 2019, as more people explore flexible access to vehicles.[1]
- The average number of trips by personal car has dropped by 20% since 2003.[2]
- Driving licence rates are up 66% for people in their 70s, but down 10% for 21–29-year-olds over the past 20 years.[3]
- Searches for ‘cheap temporary car insurance’ are up 236% in four years, pointing to rising demand for flexible car ownership options.[6]
- Uswitch shares expert insight on how temporary car insurance can support part-time drivers, helping them stay covered without the cost or commitment of a full-time policy.
The future of driving could be part-time, according to new research from temporary car insurance experts Uswitch.
A deep dive into two decades of transport data reveals emerging signs that Brits’ relationship with car ownership and usage is evolving, with car club memberships surging[1], a decline in the number of car trips taken[2], and fewer young people holding drivers licences[3].
Car club memberships surge by 143% as drivers embrace flexible alternatives to car ownership
Between 2019 and 2023, UK car club memberships rose 122%, with active members up 143%[1], highlighting a shift toward flexible, shared car access. Car clubs allow members to rent vehicles by the hour or day, providing easy, on-demand access. For occasional drivers, car clubs and temporary insurance offer a convenient, cost-effective alternative to ownership.
| Year | Total members, UK | Total active members, UK |
| 2019 | 353,726 | 139,545 |
| 2020 | 634,606 | 229,464 |
| 2021 | 784,122 | 450,231 |
| 2022 | 752,560 | 323,527 |
| 2023 | 784,304 | 339,017 |
Source: Uswitch / CoMoUK
20% drop in personal car trips reflects shift towards less frequent car use
In England, the average number of trips taken by main drivers in personal cars per year has dropped 20% over the last two decades, from 905 in 2003 to just 723 in 2023[2]. This decline could suggest that while cars remain a key part of daily life for many, how we use them is changing, pointing to a broader move towards less frequent car use.
This shift also aligns with the 122% increase in UK car club memberships since 2019, as more drivers use flexible alternatives to full-time car ownership[1].
| Year | No. of trips (per main driver, per year), England |
| 2003 | 905 |
| 2023 | 723 |
Source: Uswitch / Department for Transport
Driving licence ownership falls among young adults, while rates rise for over 70s
The number of drivers aged 70+ with a licence has increased by two-thirds (66%) over the past two decades, rising from 44% in 2003 to 73% in 2023[3]. In contrast, younger generations are moving in the opposite direction. The percentage of 21–29-year-olds with a licence has dropped by 10%, while 17–20-year-olds have the same 29% rate in 2023 as in 2003[3].”
This generational divide could reflect a changing attitude towards car ownership and driving, with younger adults more likely to delay driving due to costs[4]. It could also reinforce the rise of part-time or occasional driving, especially among younger people who may drive infrequently, borrow cars, or use car clubs when needed.
Another contributing factor could be limited test centre availability and long wait times, leaving young learners facing up to a 20-week wait for a driving test in 20255].
| Age range | Proportion 2003, England (%) | Proportion 2023, England (%) |
| All Over 17 | 71 | 74 |
| 17 – 20 | 29 | 29 |
| 21 – 29 | 67 | 60 |
| 30 – 39 | 82 | 75 |
| 40 – 49 | 84 | 83 |
| 50 – 59 | 81 | 86 |
| 60 – 69 | 72 | 83 |
| All 70+ | 44 | 73 |
Source: Uswitch / Department for Transport
“Cheap temporary car insurance” searches jump by 236% across the UK
Searches for flexible driving solutions have surged in the past four years, with terms like ‘cheap temporary car insurance’ up 236% since 2021[6]. Other terms, including ‘compare short-term car insurance’ (+184%) and ‘flexible car insurance’ (+182%), highlight the growing demand for flexible coverage. Specific growth in searches like ‘weekly’, ‘one day’, and ‘monthly car insurance’ also show a rise in demand for short-term options.
| Keyword | Avg. monthly searches (April 24 – March 25) | April 2021 – March 2025 change % |
| cheap temporary car insurance | 14800 | 236 |
| compare short-term car insurance | 2900 | 184 |
| flexible car insurance | 320 | 182 |
| pay as you go car insurance | 3600 | 175 |
| temporary car insurance | 135000 | 172 |
| weekly car insurance | 6600 | 125 |
| monthly car insurance | 6600 | 124 |
| one day car insurance | 33100 | 123 |
| short-term car insurance | 27100 | 82 |
Source: Uswitch.com
Felicity Ferguson, temporary car insurance expert at Uswitch, comments:
“The data suggests we could be seeing a gradual shift towards more flexible driving habits, where people still want access to a car, but not necessarily the full-time costs and responsibilities of owning one.
“Temporary car insurance is a practical solution for this kind of part-time driving. It provides short-term cover exactly when it’s needed, giving drivers the freedom to stay mobile without committing to an annual policy. As lifestyles become more flexible, insurance needs to keep up, and that’s where temporary cover proves its value.”
For more insights on flexible driving solutions or to get a temporary car insurance quote, visit Uswitch.