How Much Will It Cost To Learn To Drive?
Are you ready to take to the roads but concerned about how much it will cost to learn to drive?
We’ve broken it down so you can assess the costs to you. Learning to drive is a huge turning point in anyone’s life. That little pink card opens up a whole new world; new job opportunities, wider travel options and impromptu midnight Starbucks visits. However, today’s rising driving costs is forcing learners to think twice about taking the plunge with around 22% of under 25’s say they simply cannot afford to learn to drive, according to InsuretheGap.
Interestingly, in a recent study, the RAC found that 1 in 6 job listings of all apprenticeship roles and 1 in 5 jobs of the Universal Jobmatch database either required or stated that it is of benefit or practical to have a driving licence or own a vehicle. Seems like a catch 22, right?
So, how much does it cost to learn to drive?
With the majority of learners needing around 45 lessons to pass, the average learner will easily be spending over £1,000 to pass their test. Some of the basic costs include;
- Provisional licence – £34 (£43 by post)
- Lessons – 48 lessons priced at £28 each (Which is roughly £1,344, this cost will differ dependant on your instructor and area)
- Driving Test Success Revision App – £4.99
- Theory test – £23
- Practical test + 1 hour preparation – £86 (weekdays) £99 (weekends)
To briefly summarise, the cost of learning to drive is close to £1,500 – a huge burden on anyone’s purse strings! There are, however, a few ways to minimise the cost of learning to drive a little:
Block book lessons
Booking your driving lessons in advance often means you can secure a discount with your driving instructor. Lots of instructors also offer a free lesson if you book over 10 lessons so this can be a great way of saving money and guarantees you a lesson every week. Unfortunately though, means you have to pay a large amount upfront which is not always possible.
Revise for your Theory Test before starting lessons
Get ahead by revising for your Theory Test before you start practical lessons.
Being familiar with The Highway Code and Theory Test knowledge may make the roads a little less daunting during your first lessons.
This can be done using our award-winning Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 App which allows you to practice all Theory Test questions and knowledge required on the go or at home.
Practice in a family car
Having an additional practice in a family car means you can practice and recap what you have learnt in your weekly lessons in your own time; without the lesson cost. This will reduce the chance of you spending future lessons recapping which therefore saves you money. Learner driver insurance is relatively affordable and usually starts from £1.87 a day – click here to find out more about learner driver insurance.
Realistic expectations
Knowing if you are ready to take your test and not rushing is the number one way to save money. Unfortunately, lots of learners waste their money by sitting their test before they’re ready and fail. Please listen to your instructor if they suggest you’re not test ready, and consider rebooking your test for a more suitable date.
The DVSA state “You must give at least 3 clear working days’ notice to change your test or you’ll have to pay again.” Preparation is key, so if you don’t feel ready, you should change the date of your test to when you’re likely to pass – saving you the cost of a failed test and a resit.
Book a weekday practical test
Booking your driving test on a weekday costs £62 whereas booking on an evening, weekend or bank holiday will cost you £75. So being flexible with your test dates will actually save you £12.
The cost of learning to drive is a big one which often deters or limits learners ability to pass the test in the timeframe they want.
Hopefully using some of these tactics will save you some money – if you have any more tips on how to keep costs down whilst learning to drive please comment below!
