Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has published a report revealing that nearly 800 children between 13-16 have been caught driving without insurance – a rise of 2100% since 2021 – likely due to rising numbers of e-scooters.
Obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by IAM RoadSmart to the DVLA, the data also showed that of these 800 children, approximately one in ten is aged 14 or below.
In 2024, 375 teenagers aged 13-16 were issued an IN10 endorsement – the code used by the police for ‘using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks’. This compares to 17 in 2021.
The data also revealed that the number of IN10s handed to those aged 17-21, who are legally able to hold a licence, has increased in the last three years.
There was a 30% rise in the number of 17-year-olds caught driving or riding without insurance in 2024 compared to 2023, and an increase of more than 700% compared to 2021.
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It is illegal to drive or ride a vehicle on a road or in a public place without at least third-party insurance.
The penalty could be a fine of £300 and six penalty points, but if the case goes to court, offenders could face an unlimited fine and a ban.
The police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle, such as e-scooters.
IAM RoadSmart believes this upsurge in underaged, uninsured drivers is due to increasing strain on household income and, for those of legal driving age, rising premiums.
Although car insurance premiums fell by 2% in 2024, between 2022 and 2023 they increased by 25%.
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Additional research conducted by IAM RoadSmart from 2,437 of its members in February 2024 revealed that 69% now identify the cost of insurance as the biggest challenge for young drivers.
A majority (60%) also said that a young driver advanced qualification should be recognised by insurers as a method to reduce costs while improving driving standards.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “The number of children caught driving or riding without insurance is shocking and is likely to be down to the those riding e-scooters.
“Although it’s illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on public roads, they are widely available for sale. It’s estimated that more than 750,000 private e-scooters have been bought.
“The government needs to urgently bring forward legislation on private e-scooters, which must include minimum type approval device standards, speed limiters and proposals for riders to have a minimum level of competency.
“For car drivers aged 17-24, uninsured driving is likely to be a result of cost pressure. Young people pay the largest insurance premiums of all and rely on vehicles for independence and work opportunities.
“While there may be some light at the end of the tunnel with premiums starting to fall, cost will remain a barrier, and some may continue to break the law unless we see significant change.”
Achievements and innovations in road safety will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
