In the last ten years car insurance premiums have almost doubled, resulting in thousands of young drivers being forced off the road. The number of drivers under 21 with a full driving license has fallen by 40%, to the same level as 1975. Currently, fewer than three in ten qualify to drive before they are 21. Those who do qualify to drive and have 0 years no claims bonus should expect an annual premium of ?1,026! However, there is some good news. After building up just 1 year no claims bonus the premium will drop by as much as ?246!

Traditionally, driving lessons were at the top of the 17th birthday list with friends competing to pass their test first. However, the lifestyle of young drivers has changed. Most school leavers are now 18 rather than 16 and most go to university to continue their studies rather than start their career. The cost of owning a car, coupled with high insurance premiums means that many young drivers are put off the idea of owning such luxury item.

Interestingly, a recent study by a leading motoring organisation found that 80% of young buyers consider the cost of insurance as the most important factor when deciding what car to buy and whether they can afford to drive at all.

How to hit the road with out breaking the bank:

1. Purchase Car Insurance Online: Many companies offer discounts when you buy online.
2. 'Shop Around': When you buy car insurance the golden rule is to get a number of quotes, so you are able to make comparisons on price and level of cover provided.
3. Pass Plus: Gives young drivers a chance to cut their premiums by up to 35% by taking a course of extra lessons after passing their standard driving test.
4. Don't modify your car: Modifying your car will affect your premium. Manufacturers work closely with insurers so that a particular model of car can be insured to a standard. If you modify the car then the factors on which your premium has been based will have changed and the number of insurers that will insure you is cut dramatically.
5. Pay as you Drive. A leading insurer has launched this new scheme which allows 18-21 years old drivers to budget for insurance on a by-journey basis.
6. Don't buy comprehensive insurance: If your car has a low value you can save a third off your premium by insuring your car for Third Party Fire & Theft.
7. Low mileage discounts: If your annual mileage is low, inform you insurer as this can cut the cost of your insurance by 15%.
8. Check out the car before you buy. The cost of your car model, how much it costs to repair, its safety track record and its attractiveness to car thieves all affect your premium. Before you buy your car, compare the insurance losses for different models you may be considering.
9. Don't Buy a High Performance Car if you are under 30: If you are under 30 and drive a sports car then expect a high premium, especially if you are male. Insurers will take numerous factors into account including your age and the group rating system of the vehicle to be insured. Most family cars fall into groups 6 to 12, unless they have high-powered engines. The different groups available range from group 1 (the lowest) to group 20 (the highest).

• BMW M series are group 20.
• Aston Martin's are group 20.
• Audi TT Roadster is group 20.
• Ferraris are group 20.
• Porsche 911's are group 20.

• Fiat Panda
• Citroen 2CV
• Vauxhall Corsa
• Seat Marbella