The overall number of Mod2 test passes, as recorded by the DVSA, has been on a very slight upward trend since 2010 (the furthest the data goes back). The biggest rises are among the older generations, with the number of over-30s getting on the road increasing dramatically after the Covid-prompted hiatus of 2020/21.
However, it’s not all good news. The number of under 20s passing their test plummeted after the introduction of the third driving licence directive in 2013 and has remained in the doldrums ever since. And the 20-29 age group, by far the biggest, has also failed to reverse a long-term downward trend in numbers. It can only be hoped that new licensing rules (if introduced) will encourage more youngsters on to two wheels.