A new global study from Autotrader, the UK automotive marketplace, has revealed how drivers around the world perceive different generations when it comes to car maintenance and their ability to carry out repairs, from changing a tyre at the roadside to handling repairs in general. 

 Surveying more than 3,000 motorists across 15 countries, the research set out to understand how age and experience shape trust underneath the bonnet. 

When it comes to car maintenance, Gen X, those currently aged 46 to 61, earns the world’s trust by a considerable margin. Globally, 57% of drivers would most trust a Gen X driver to change a tyre, and 58% rate them as the most competent generation for car maintenance overall. In the UK, this figure was 61%.

Globally, just 2% of drivers trust Gen Z, those currently aged between 14 and 29, the most to change a tyre. In the UK, the USA, Portugal and Australia, that figure drops to zero. 

The gap between how Gen Z rates themselves and how the public rates them is wide. In the UK, 43% of Gen Z drivers say they feel confident changing a tyre, yet public trust in them sits at 0%.

Which generation is seen as most overconfident?

Globally, views are closely split on which generation overestimates its car knowledge: Millennials, aged 30 to 45, are highest at 26%, followed by Gen Z at 25%, Gen X at 24% and Baby Boomers, aged 62 to 80, at 23%.

English-speaking nations tend to point at Gen Z, led by Canada at 32%, with the UK, Ireland and Poland all at 30%.

How Gen Z is learning: TikTok, YouTube and AI

Across almost every country surveyed, Gen Z leads when it comes to turning to social media, YouTube and TikTok for car maintenance guidance.

In the UK, 89% of Gen Z drivers say they use social media platforms for car maintenance advice. The USA and Germany are the exceptions, where Millennials lead on social media car guidance (76% and 67% respectively).

AI is following a similar pattern: 86% of Gen Z in the UK say they would use AI for car maintenance guidance, the highest of any generation in the country, against a global average of 65%. In the USA, Italy , and Greece, it is Gen X who leads in AI car advice.

Tom Roberts, car-selling expert at Autotrader, says:  “Car knowledge has always been passed down through hands-on experience, through parents, mechanics, and years of figuring things out at the roadside. What we’re seeing now is a generational shift in how that learning happens, not a loss of appetite for it. Gen X has earned its reputation over decades, proving that credibility is something that is accumulated.  

“Despite being the least trusted generation under the bonnet, it’s encouraging to see that Gen Z aren’t accepting that label passively. They’re seeking out knowledge through every tool available to them, including social media and AI.”

For the complete research on the most trusted generations when it comes to fixing cars across the globe, visit: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/sell-my-car/which-generation-best-car-maintenance/

Hundreds of petrol stations are facing scrutiny after failing to provide accurate, up-to-date fuel prices through the Government’s Fuel Finder scheme, making it harder for drivers to find the cheapest places to fill up. An investigation by the Press Association found that around 570 forecourts had not provided any petrol price information, despite fuel price reporting becoming a legal requirement more than five months ago. The investigation also found that 1,751 stations had not submitted a petrol price change for more than a week, including 96 sites that had not updated their prices for at least a month.

Why does this matter for drivers?

Fuel Finder was introduced to improve transparency at the pumps, allowing motorists to compare local petrol and diesel prices before choosing where to refuel.

The Government said the scheme could help drivers save money by encouraging more competition between fuel retailers. However, if stations fail to provide accurate pricing information, drivers may not be seeing the full picture when searching for cheaper fuel.

For motorists already facing pressure from rising household costs, missing or outdated fuel prices could mean paying more than necessary when filling up.

What has Rachel Reeves said?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said businesses failing to provide fuel price updates were letting customers down.

She confirmed that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had issued hundreds of warning letters to companies not complying with the rules and could take further action, including issuing fines, if businesses continue to fail to report prices.

How can drivers find cheaper fuel?

While Fuel Finder aims to make fuel price comparisons easier, drivers can continue using services such as ours to compare local petrol and diesel prices and check where they could save money before making a journey.

With fuel prices varying significantly between nearby stations, checking prices before filling up remains one of the easiest ways for motorists to reduce their spending.

Refined product markets also weakened during June, although the decline was considerably more modest than that seen in crude. Diesel prices decreased by 13.5%, while unleaded declined by 5.5%. Despite the correction, diesel and unleaded wholesale prices remain 11-12ppl above the end of February.

The slower decline in diesel reflects the fact that refined product markets remain considerably tighter than crude. Inventories across the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) storage hub remain historically low, with gasoil stocks ending June around 3% below year-earlier levels despite modest improvements during the month. US distillate inventories also remain close to two-decade lows, with stocks approximately 10% below the five-year average despite a gradual recovery in refinery output. These factors continue to provide underlying support for diesel cracks even as crude prices have retraced.

Improving supply fundamentals are, however, beginning to emerge. US refiners increased distillate production through the latter half of June, while inventories started to rebuild as export demand softened. At the same time, US drilling activity recorded its strongest weekly increase in four years, suggesting producers remain confident in expanding crude production despite lower outright prices.

Perhaps the most notable development during June was the pace at which retail diesel prices fell. Supermarket diesel prices declined by approximately 18ppl during the month, while the wider market fell by around 15ppl, significantly faster than movements in wholesale prices alone would suggest. Much of this reflected wholesale price reductions that occurred in the final week of May, which only filtered through to retail forecourts during early June.

As a result, the wholesale-to-retail pricing spread has now largely returned to its six-month average. With the spreads having normalised, the scope for further significant pump price reductions will increasingly depend on localised market competition.

Looking ahead, market attention remains firmly focused on developments in the Middle East as negotiations between the US and Iran enter the midpoint of the 60-day agreement. While the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has substantially improved the global supply outlook, tanker movements have yet to normalise fully and periodic security incidents continue to highlight the fragility of the current ceasefire. Consequently, although the extreme geopolitical risk premium has largely dissipated, energy markets remain sensitive to any signs that negotiations could stall or regional tensions could re-escalate.

The number of driving tests taken in automatic cars has more than doubled (106% increase) over the last five years. Uswitch car insurance experts recently investigated the motivations behind learning to drive in an automatic, the challenges automatic-only drivers face, and their reactions to the decision.

Convenience drives motorists to learn in an automatic 

The study revealed that over two-fifths (41%) of respondents from a Uswitch survey chose to learn in an automatic because they believed it would be easier than a manual, while 37% thought they would learn more quickly. Additionally, 31% already had an automatic car within their household that they planned to drive. 

Despite the perception that learning to drive in an automatic is easier and quicker, UK government driving test results data contradict this, with the overall pass rate in 2025 10% lower for automatics than for manuals.

The top perceived disadvantages among automatic-only drivers

The Uswitch survey also revealed that 36% of the drivers surveyed believed that learning to drive an automatic car limited their choice when buying used cars, whilst 28% thought they had missed out on learning a manual driving skill.

In addition to the practical and cost-related challenges highlighted by respondents, Uswitch found that it can be more expensive and inconvenient to find an automatic driving instructor. Uswitch found that instructors teaching automatic charge £5.05 more per lesson on average than those offering manual lessons. Only 25% of instructors at two of the biggest UK driving schools (AA and BSM) were teaching in automatic cars as of January last year. However, more instructors are moving towards automatic over time, with this figure increasing by 76% since 2022. 

Do automatic drivers regret their decision? 

There is sometimes a stigma surrounding automatic-only licence holders, with over half (56%) saying they can feel negatively judged by other motorists. 

Reflecting on their decision, almost one in five (19%) revealed they generally regret learning to drive in an automatic. Over a third (35%) also said they would consider learning to drive a manual car in future, while 25% have already done so since passing their automatic test.

Automatic drivers are prepared for the EV takeover 

With the government set to ban the sale of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles by 2030 and with almost all EVs being automatic, drivers who learned to drive on automatic vehicles may be better equipped for the future. Over 7 in 10 (74%) respondents feel that learning to drive an automatic car has prepared them well for driving an electric car. While the shift to EVs wasn’t one of the top motivations for learning in an automatic, planning to drive an EV or hybrid was a factor for just under a quarter (22%) of respondents. 

Uswitch insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, said, “It’s important to research the pros and cons to decide what’s best for your situation, but there are a few key factors to think about:

• Account for all costs: Learning to drive an automatic car, as well as owning one, is generally more expensive than owning a manual. Driving lessons are pricier in an automatic, as highlighted by the Uswitch research, and so are the vehicles themselves to buy and maintain. Insurance premiums can similarly increase, reflecting higher repair costs; for example, from November 2025 to April 2026, quotes for automatic vehicles were on average 17% more expensive than manual vehicles.
• Consider the future of manual cars: With the ongoing shift away from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles, being prepared for a future dominated by EVs, which are almost all automatic, may be sensible. It’s worth noting that the government’s ban will only apply to new car sales, so manual vehicles will still be available on the second-hand market beyond 2030. Additionally, consider that manual licence holders are legally allowed to drive an automatic as well.”

The Survey was of 500 UK full driving licence holders who learned and passed their test in an automatic car. Responses were given between 2nd and 13th April 2026. 

Work and Pensions Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said:   

“Hardworking taxpayers deserve a system that pursues those who deliberately dodge their debts, and that is exactly what these new powers deliver.  To anyone with an outstanding debt – our door is open and DWP will always work with you to find an affordable way to repay. But for those who can pay and won’t – we’re going further than ever before to claw back cash and crack down on fraud.”

Cabinet Office Minister Satvir Kaur said:

“Fraud against the public sector and unrecovered debt deny our vital frontline services of the funding they deserve. Under these new powers in the PAFER Act, this Government will deliver on its promise to protect hardworking taxpayers and clamp down on those who try to cheat the system.”

Enforcement of the powers will be gradually rolled out from October 2026, giving debtors a final window from today, to pay back the cash or sort out an affordable repayment plan before that deadline.  

Anyone no longer in receipt of benefit, who owes money to DWP and receives the new letter should act now. The application of these powers can be avoided entirely by getting in touch with DWP within the next four months. Where it would help, staff can also point individuals towards free debt advice and support services.  

Previously, the DWP had few options to pursue people who were no longer claiming benefits or in PAYE employment, meaning some who could afford to repay were simply choosing not to. That loophole is now closed.  

Courts can only impose a driving ban where the debt is at least £1,000, and no one can be disqualified if they have an essential need for their licence, for example work that relies on driving, such as a courier or caring responsibilities. Any ban is initially suspended as long as repayment terms are kept to.  

Read more on The Gov site here.

The move lower at the pumps comes as oil markets continue to unwind the geopolitical risk premium that built up during the conflict. Brent crude fell sharply on Wednesday, closing just above $73.50/bbl, a level not seen since before the conflict began.

Just two weeks ago Brent was trading close to $92/bbl. Since the signing of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, which established a 60-day negotiation period and enabled the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, fears of a prolonged disruption to global oil supplies have eased considerably. As shipping traffic has returned to the region, Brent has fallen by more than 20%.

However, lower crude prices have yet to fully filter through to refined fuel markets. Wholesale diesel and gasoline prices remain approximately 9ppl higher than they were at the end of February, suggesting there is still scope for further reductions at the pumps if current market conditions persist.

The speed of the decline in crude oil highlights how quickly geopolitical risk premiums can disappear once supply concerns begin to ease. The key question now is how quickly lower wholesale prices are passed through to motorists.

With supermarket unleaded now back below 150ppl and wholesale markets continuing to soften, further price cuts across both unleaded and diesel remain a realistic prospect in the coming weeks. Drivers can expect so see prices fall through the next 5 to 10 days.

With the sudden price movements, the range of prices at the pumps has increased, checking prices before you fill can help drivers save. Supermarkets are not always the cheapest option for many drivers as independent retails can often be competitive on pricing, particularly in a falling market.

The cost of learning to drive could more than triple over the next two decades, rising from around £2,460 to almost £7,600 by 2045*. With costs already on the rise, more parents are supporting learner drivers at home to help speed up progression, build confidence, and offset expenses, spending an average of 3.31 hours per week doing so.

To better understand how this shift is shaping the learning journey, learner driver insurance experts, Tempcover, surveyed 1,000 UK parents. The findings suggest that while a ‘blended learning’ approach is becoming more common, it is not always smooth sailing for parents and learner drivers.

More Than Half of Parents Worry About Passing on Bad Driving Habits

While many parents are keen to help their children practise driving at home, 57% worry about ensuring their children don’t pick up habits that could compromise their test success. 

Rather than a reflection on their own driving ability, it seems these concerns speak to the pressure parents feel as non-professional instructors who want to do a good job.  Without formal training, many worry about how to teach strict test-level standards. 

Speeding (18%) is the top concern parents worry about passing on, followed by forgetting to check mirrors or blind spots (15%) and poor parking or spatial awareness (13%). One in ten also worries about managing road rage while mentoring.

Arguments are Common During Driving Practice

Alongside the pressure of teaching, many parents are also navigating tension in the passenger seat, with more than a third (38%) reporting arguments with their children during practice sessions. This friction often stems from the unique dynamic of teaching a family member. The most common trigger for these disagreements is children not listening (41%), followed by issues around speed control (26%) and managing nerves (21%).

To understand how home practice and professional instruction work together to shape learner confidence, learner driver insurance experts, Tempcover, spoke to driving instructor James Platt:

“A qualified instructor is there to introduce skills in a highly structured way, focusing on technical routines and test criteria. We know the exact blueprint of the modern driving test and how to build core safety habits from scratch.  For many drivers, this is the go-to standard, but adopting a blended model can be an effective route for some learners.

That is where private practice with a parent can become an essential extension of the classroom.  By taking those structured lesson routines and pairing them with parental support and private mileage, learners get the opportunity to clock up basic repetition and turn theory from professional lessons into muscle memory.     

Ultimately, this type of blended approach can help to bridge the gap between learning the technical skills required to pass a test and building confidence through greater hours behind the wheel, developing a well-rounded driver who is better prepared for the road before they go out on their own.” 

Methodology: Tempcover surveyed a sample of 1,000 UK parents with children aged 17+ who are currently learning or have learned to drive with parental support. The survey was conducted by market research company One Poll in April 2026.  The following questions were asked:

1. On average, how many hours per week do you/did you spend teaching your child to drive?
2. What is/was the main reason you are/were teaching your child to drive?
3. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? “I set a good example for my child when I am driving”
4. Which, if any, of the following driving habits are you/were you worried about passing on to your child?
5. Have you and your child ever argued while you were teaching them to drive?
6. What was the main reason for the arguments when you were teaching your child how to drive?
7. Which, if any, of the following has your child ever corrected you on, based on something they learned about driving from the Highway Code, professional lessons, or theory study?
8. Overall, how confident, if at all, do you/did you feel teaching your child to drive?
9. How confident do you/did you feel teaching your child to drive in the following situations?

[1] www.driving.org/learning-to-drive-could-cost-nearly-7600-by-2045-new-analysis-warns/

UK drivers are starting to see significant savings at the pumps as fuel prices continue to fall following the easing of tensions in the Middle East.

According to our data, supermarket diesel prices are now 9.5ppl lower than at the start of June, saving motorists around £5.70 on a typical 60-litre fill-up.

Unleaded prices have also fallen, with supermarket unleaded now averaging 4.4ppl less than at the beginning of the month.

The national average price of fuel now stands at 153.9ppl for unleaded and 174.0ppl for diesel, while supermarket prices are even lower at 151.9ppl for unleaded and 170.9ppl for diesel.

The latest reductions mark a substantial turnaround from the highs seen earlier this year. In mid-April, average pump prices peaked at 158.7ppl for unleaded and 192.3ppl for diesel as fears of a prolonged disruption to global oil supplies pushed wholesale costs sharply higher.

For drivers filling a 60-litre diesel tank, today’s prices represent a saving of around £12.84 compared with April’s peak.

Fuel prices still higher than before the conflict

Despite recent declines, motorists are still paying considerably more than before the US-Iran conflict escalated.

Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, average UK prices stood at 132.3ppl for unleaded and 141.8ppl for diesel, meaning fuel remains significantly more expensive than it was earlier in the year.

The reason prices have not fallen further is that wholesale fuel markets are still working through months of disruption to global supply chains and fuel inventories.

Oil prices fall below $80 per barrel

Falling wholesale fuel costs and a sharp decline in crude oil prices have driven the recent reductions at UK forecourts.

Brent crude, the international benchmark used to price much of the world’s oil, has now fallen below $80 per barrel for the first time since early March.

Oil prices surged above $114 per barrel during the height of the conflict after the US carried out strikes against Iran and Tehran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, handling a significant proportion of global crude oil and refined fuel exports.

Since then, markets have steadily become more optimistic that supplies will return to normal.

In mid-June, Brent crude fell to around $86 per barrel after both the US and Iran announced an agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Prices continued to slide over the following days, reaching $79.58 per barrel as traders became increasingly confident that the risk of major supply disruptions had eased.

Markets welcome US-Iran agreement

The biggest driver behind falling fuel prices has been growing confidence that a lasting peace deal is now within reach.

For weeks, investors were reacting to conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran, with reports of progress often followed by renewed threats or military activity. That uncertainty kept a risk premium embedded in oil prices.

However, over the weekend both sides announced that a deal had been agreed and would be formally signed on Friday.

The agreement is expected to lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the gradual restoration of crude oil and refined fuel exports from the region.

While analysts caution that it could take several months for supply chains and shipping networks to normalise fully, the agreement has significantly reduced fears of an immediate supply shortage.

Major investment banks have already responded by cutting their oil price forecasts. Several now expect Brent crude to average around $75-$80 per barrel over the coming quarters as additional supplies return to the market.

What could happen next?

The outlook for drivers has improved considerably compared with just a few weeks ago.

Lower crude oil prices and falling wholesale fuel costs should continue to feed through to forecourts over the coming weeks. Diesel prices, which rose particularly sharply during the conflict due to concerns over global middle-distillate supplies, may have further room to fall if wholesale markets continue to ease.

However, fuel markets remain sensitive to developments in the Middle East. Any setbacks to the peace process or delays in reopening shipping routes could quickly reverse some of the recent gains.

For now, though, the direction of travel is positive, with motorists finally seeing some of the savings from lower oil prices reach the pumps.

Amid ongoing pressure from rising fuel and operating costs[1], Tempcover’s temporary business van insurance experts surveyed 500 self-employed people across the UK who rely on vans for work, including van drivers, tradespeople and mobile service providers.

The research explores the realities of working independently on the road, including how workload demands, financial pressure and work-life balance are being affected, and where support gaps remain.

Costs and Financial Pressures Drive High Stress Among Van Users

Costs and Financial Pressures Drive High Stress Among Van Users

The majority (91%) of self-employed van users experience stress to some extent at work, including more than one in five (21%) who report high levels of stress. Many say the reality of working alone adds to this strain, with 59% feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of managing every aspect of their work themselves.

When asked specifically about what is driving this stress day-to-day, fuel and operating costs come out on top (26%), followed by general financial pressure (23%) and vehicle issues (17%).

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Practical Support and Financial Relief Top the List of Needs

With financial pressure and uncertainty shaping day-to-day working life, self-employed van users say practical support with vehicle running costs would make the biggest difference. Affordable vehicle maintenance or repair schemes rank top (40%), followed by fuel cost support or discounts (37%). 

Other priorities reflect wider concerns around stability and resilience, including better access to consistent work (29%) and financial safety nets (28%), alongside mental health support (17%).

Claire Wills-McKissick,  temporary business van insurance expert at Tempcover, comments on the findings: “These results highlight the pressures many self-employed van users face as they balance rising operating costs, unpredictable workloads, and the responsibility of running their work independently.

“While many are managing day-to-day, the data suggests a clear gap between the support people feel they need and how that support is accessed in practice. For many, informal networks such as friends, family, or peer communities are acting as a makeshift safety net, but it’s crucial to look towards a broader package of support when dealing with ongoing financial pressure, workload demands, and unexpected disruption.

“Our research shows many self-employed van users feel their specific challenges are being missed, so we urge van users to check they’re getting the full support available. By ensuring they have access to practical guidance and resources available through trade bodies and industry networks, solo operators can ensure they have the best possible support structure in place when it is needed most.”

Rising fuel prices are continuing to put pressure on UK motorists, with new research revealing many drivers are cutting back on journeys and household spending to cope with higher costs at the pumps.

A survey of 2,000 petrol and diesel drivers commissioned by temporary car insurance experts, Tempcover, found motorists are now spending an average of £18.20 more to fill up their tanks, rising to £23.10 for diesel drivers, compared to before the fuel price surge in March 2026. With 88% admitting they are concerned about the continued increase in fuel costs, the survey highlights the growing financial strain facing motorists across the UK.

Drivers Cutting Back on Journeys To Combat Fuel Costs*

This financial pressure is already changing behaviour on the road, with over two in five drivers (44%) saying they are driving less as a direct result.

When asked how they are changing their travel habits, the most common responses focus on reducing unnecessary journeys and improving efficiency. Reducing non-essential trips is the most common change (62%), followed by walking or cycling more often (39%) and over one in four (26%) are using public transport more frequently.

Drivers are also adjusting how they plan journeys, with a third (33%) reducing long-distance travel and a similar proportion (33%) combining multiple trips into one. A further 24% say they are planning routes more carefully to reduce mileage.

Everyday Spending Cut Backs To Cover Fuel Costs**

Nearly half of respondents (49%) say they have reduced at least one area of household spending in order to continue paying for fuel. Eating out or ordering takeaways is the most common cutback, with 28% saying they have reduced spending in this area.

Clothing and other non-essential shopping has been cut by 23% of drivers, while 21% have scaled back on social activities, including nights out, events and hobbies. One in six (16%) have reduced spending on holidays or travel, and 13% say they have dipped into savings or investments to manage higher fuel costs.

Essential budgets are also being affected, with 12% of motorists reporting reduced grocery spending as they adjust to rising fuel prices.

Drivers Keep a Close Eye on Fuel Usage*

Motorists are also changing how they buy fuel. More than a quarter (28%) now monitor their fuel usage more closely than before. One in five (20%) are delaying refuelling until absolutely necessary, and 19% are actively choosing cheaper forecourts over their usual station. Around one in six (17%) are making greater efforts to improve fuel efficiency such as checking tyre pressure or reducing vehicle load, and the same proportion are buying smaller amounts of fuel at a time rather than filling up completely.

Fuel price comparison apps and tools are gaining traction, with 14% of drivers now using them to track down the cheapest prices nearby.

Sources & Methodology

This online survey of 2,000 UK petrol and diesel drivers was commissioned by RVU on behalf of Tempcover and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected between 5th May and 12th May 2026. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council. Unless otherwise specified, all insights are drawn directly from this survey’s results.

*Respondents could select more than one answer option
**https://www.smmt.co.uk/two-millionth-electric-car-registered-as-market-rebounds-strongly-from-tax-changes/