A third (33%) of parents with children aged 18-25 ‘feel like a taxi driver’ for their kids, compared to just one in five parents nationally, as new research reveals just how much time parents spent driving their adult children around.
Following data showing three in ten (28%) 20-34-year-olds in the UK still live in their childhood home*, new findings show parents today are continuing to support their children well into adulthood, as fewer 18-25s are taking their driving test or are unable to afford their own car.
Research from Motorpoint took data from 1,000 UK drivers with families and investigated the dynamic of parents with their adult children, particularly when it comes to giving them lifts in the car. The study found that just under half (47%) of parents with children aged 18-25 were happy to drive their children to social activities – 9% lower than the UK average.
Looking at the hours spent driving their children around, the study found parents of under 18s spend 213 hours on average each year driving to extracurricular activities and social events – the equivalent of almost nine full days. In comparison, parents of adult children (aged 18–25) spend an average of 169 hours per year giving lifts – only 26% less than the overall average. This equals an extra £853 spent on fuel by parents driving their adult children around.
When they were asked whether lifts were expected from their children, almost a fifth (18%) of parents with children age 18-21 said they feel that their children expect them to drive them wherever they want to go, with the same number saying they wish their child was more independent with local transport.
However, three in ten (28%) parents for this age group said they value the quality time in the car with their adult children – the highest of any age group and 7% higher than the national average, suggesting that living at home into adulthood strengthens the bond between parent and child.
Discussing the findings, Tim Rodie, Motorpoint’s resident driving expert, and dad of two, said: “With so much time spent driving children to activities and social events well into adulthood, family cars need to be versatile to suit the lifestyle of everyone at home.
“That’s why it’s important to consider your family’s needs to make sure you’re picking a car that’ll work for you. Every family’s needs are different, so it’s important there’s enough comfort and space for you and your grown-up children – especially for the parents that are giving lots of lifts.”
For information on some of the best family cars of 2025, visit: https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/best/suvs-crossovers-for-families
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