1. Exceeding the statutory speed limit

Unsurprisingly, speeding hits the top spot. Over two years, a total of 128,677 drivers between 17-25 were found guilty of speeding, making it the most common driving offence.

In fact, nearly 4 in 10 drivers are guilty of speeding on public roads, making it the most common traffic offence in the UK.

2. Using a vehicle uninsured

Borrowing someone else’s car without insurance is an offence that 56,789 young drivers committed over the two years. If you’re thinking of using someone’s car for a quick trip, these uninsured drivers' facts might help you understand your insurance policy so you’re fully covered to drive.

Driving an uninsured vehicle is a big issue with younger drivers – and something easily solved with choosing the right young drivers insurance provider.

3. Exceeding the speed limit on a motorway

33,055 (9.99%) of young people were charged with this. When you combine motorway speeding with speeding on a statutory road, this type of offence takes up a whopping 48.86% of all traffic offences committed by young people in the UK.

4. Driving without a licence

A total of 30,658 (9.26%) young drivers were caught without a licence. So to help make sure you successfully get your licence, our driving theory and practical test guides are the perfect place to start.

5. Driving or attempting to drive above the alcohol limit

Between 2020 and 2021, 12,068 (3.65%) young drivers were guilty of this. Even the day after a big night out can still mean you're over the limit. Read our drink and drive guide about the current law.

6. Failure to give information of the driver identity

As many as 11,631 (3.51%) young drivers were unable to provide their details when committing an offence.

7. Driving or attempting to drive above the specified drug level

Like drink driving, driving under the influence of drugs is also a crime – and it's one committed by 10,529 young drivers in the past two years. It's a serious offence and can cost up to 11 penalty points on your licence.

8. Driving without due care and attention

Over the two-year period, careless driving was the eighth most common traffic offence committed by 16–25-year-olds with 6,426 drivers (1.94% of all offences) driving carelessly on UK roads. If something does happen, here's our guide of what you should do in the unfortunate event of a car accident.

9. Driving while disqualified by order of court

Despite being banned from driving, 5,228 young drivers continued to drive after being disqualified between 2020 and 2021. Driving while disqualified accounted for 1.58% of all traffic offences committed by younger drivers.

10. Using a vehicle with defective tyre(s)

If your tyres don't meet the legal requirements, for example having the minimum tread depth or they're flat, then make sure to get them fixed before driving. A total of 4,420 young drivers were caught out for this (1.34% of all traffic offences). Tyres are one of those easy fixes that you can avoid. By having your car serviced regularly and getting its MOT, you can practically eliminate the risk. If you do have a tyre problem, make sure you know how to fix a flat tyre and store your breakdown contact numbers in your phone.

The most common traffic offences and driving mistakes young drivers make

Top 10 traffic offences made by young drivers

Most common traffic offences for drivers aged 16-25

Common reasons for failing a driving test

Methodology

Car insurance

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