Gen Z Refuel Anxiety: Why WA Learners Fear Refuelling

Almost two-thirds of Gen Z drivers in the UK say they’re scared of refuelling 🚗⛽ — and it’s not about the cost of petrol.

👉 Here’s the full article on News.com.au.

A new UK survey found that an eye-opening 62 percent of Gen Z drivers (ages 18–24) experience what researchers call “refuel anxiety.” And surprisingly, it isn’t about fuel prices. Instead, their worries center on fears of making a mistake in public:

• Choosing the wrong fuel

• Misparking at the servo

• Awkwardly handling the nozzle

• Getting stuck in a queue

• Even hygiene at the pump

The consequences aren’t just theoretical: half admitted to letting their tank run dangerously low, a quarter said they’d actually broken down to avoid refuelling altogether, and nearly two-thirds confessed they’d asked someone else to do it for them. This shows that refuel anxiety isn’t just a UK issue — WA learners might experience similar worries too.

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Refuel Anxiety in WA Learners: What They Say

Now, I don’t think many WA learners would rather break down than face the bowser 😅. But I have heard plenty of students express they don't know what to do when it’s time to refuel.

Common ones I hear:

• “I don't even know which side of the car the fuel cap is.”

• “I don't even know how to open the fuel cap.”

• “I don't know which fuel I should be getting.”

It might not be the same level of anxiety as in the UK, but it’s still a part of learning that trips people up.

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Aprueba tu PDA a la primera 🚗✅. Los planes de lecciones de GOAT Driving te dan la estructura de un instructor, sin el alto costo — disponibles en inglés, español y portugués.

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How We Tackle It in GOAT Driving

That’s why our DIY driving lesson plans anticipate common learner challenges like refuel anxiety, making sure you’re confident with every step — from pedals to petrol.

Here’s a quick preview of what I cover:

• How to quickly identify which side your tank is on

• The safe way to park and position your car at the bowser

• Step-by-step on using the pump (so you don’t feel rushed)

• What to do if something goes wrong

And yes — I’ve had plenty of learners experience their first time at the pump during one of our lessons.

👉 You can try a free example lesson here.

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Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear from you — WA learners and supervisors:

👉 Do you (or your kids) feel nervous about refuelling for the first time?

👉 Have you ever avoided it until you were on your own?

Drop a comment and let’s see if WA learners feel the same as those in the UK.

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Want Structured Support for Every Lesson?

This is just one part of what I teach in the GOAT Driving system — the same structured method I’ve used to help hundreds of learners succeed.

✅ Step-by-step lesson plans in English, Spanish & Portuguese

✅ Direct support from me if you need help finding places to practise

✅ A 1-week free trial so you can see the value before committing

And if you’d prefer in-person lessons in Perth, you can request an on-road session here, at the bottom of the home page.

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Final Thought

Refuelling might seem small compared to roundabouts or reverse parking — but for a lot of learners, it’s just another one of those first-time stresses.

That’s why I make sure it’s included in the program. Because confidence at the bowser matters just as much as confidence on the road.