Energy firm Hive commissioned the poll of 2,000 Brits aged 18-30 to highlight greener travel during London Climate Action Week and it found that Gen Z take a very different view on driving13:58, 27 Jun 2026Forget having a Ford Fiesta as your first banger - Gen Z would rather book an Uber.‌Half of young Brits (50%) have no plans to ever learn to drive, while the same number reckon they can happily live without owning a car. For generations, passing your test meant freedom, independence and finally ditching Mum and Dad's lifts. But today's twentysomethings are swerving the milestone altogether.‌A whopping 77% think driving is becoming less important, while 71% say it's no longer the rite of passage it used to be. Some 29% of youngsters say they're too scared to get behind the wheel, while soaring fuel prices put off one in four.‌Among Gen Z city dwellers, 68% say owning a car is no longer an important life goal, while 79% would rather spend their money on holidays, brunches or dating. Instead of splashing out on a battered hatchback, they're tapping for ride-shares, e-bikes and trains.London tops the UK's car-free league table, with 61% of adults saying they don't drive, ahead of Liverpool and Plymouth. More than half (58%) say owning a car in a city is basically pointless thanks to public transport, cycling and ride-hailing apps.‌Meanwhile, more than a third (35%) see cars as a money pit, 33% simply can't afford one, while 31% say driving lessons and insurance are both too expensive. Going green is another major factor.And nearly nine in ten (87%) Gen Z-ers say environmental concerns influence every transport choice they make - far higher than among the over-30s. Moreover, seven in ten actively choose electric or low-emission taxis whenever possible, while almost two-thirds of those who do want a licence say they'd only learn in an EV.Article continues belowGen Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. They follow Millennials, born 1981–1996, and precede Gen Alpha, born 2013 onward.Energy firm Hive commissioned the poll of 2,000 Brits aged 18-30 to highlight greener travel during London Climate Action Week, with its Hive Taxi appearing around the capital. Tom Pakenham, Commercial Director for Hive, said: "It's encouraging to see how people of all ages are embracing greener ways to travel."Electric vehicles are no longer a niche choice - they're becoming the future. As more people look to travel sustainably, we're proud to support that shift through EV charging and smarter energy solutions."