Almost four in five drivers (79%) would consider taking a professional refresher or driver-confidence lesson in certain circumstances, with more than one in five saying they would seek support if a collision affected their confidence behind the wheel.
The findings come from new research by AA Insurance, which highlights the potential role of professional driving support in helping experienced motorists refresh their skills, address concerns and regain confidence.
The survey found that just 21% of drivers would not consider taking a professional refresher or driver-confidence lesson under any of the circumstances presented.
Family and friends raising concerns about their driving was the most frequently cited reason for considering professional support, selected by 28% of respondents.
Other reasons included refreshing knowledge of the Highway Code and changes to road rules (23%), a collision affecting confidence (22%) and returning to driving after a prolonged period away from the road (19%).
Meanwhile, 17% would consider a lesson as they got older and wanted reassurance about their driving, while 16% said they would use professional support to address bad driving habits they may have developed.
The research also identified a difference between men and women, with 26% of men saying they would not consider a professional refresher lesson in any of the circumstances listed, compared with 12% of women.
The impact of collisions on driving confidence
A collision can affect drivers beyond the immediate damage to their vehicle, with some motorists experiencing a loss of confidence when they return to the road.
Even relatively minor incidents can leave drivers feeling apprehensive about getting behind the wheel again, particularly if they have not experienced a collision for many years.
Mark Bowden, from AA Insurance Services, said: “A collision can be an unsettling experience, and its impact isn’t always limited to damage to the vehicle. Even after a relatively minor incident, drivers can find their confidence has taken a knock when they next get behind the wheel.
“This survey shows more than one in five drivers would consider professional help if a collision affected their confidence. That’s why the support Accident Assist provides doesn’t necessarily stop when the vehicle is being dealt with.”
The research also highlights how drivers can spend decades behind the wheel without having their driving professionally assessed after passing their test.
During that time, road layouts, vehicles and road rules can change, while motorists may develop habits or become less familiar with skills they rarely use.
Mark Born, head of training at AA Driving School, said: “Almost four in five drivers being open to a refresher lesson shows that learning doesn’t necessarily stop when you pass your test.
“Roads, vehicles and the Highway Code change over time, while drivers can develop habits or simply find there are parts of driving they don’t encounter very often.”
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