How much does learning to drive cost?

How much are driving lessons?

While the price of driving lessons can vary, the average cost for a one-hour lesson is between £25 and £35. However, some driving instructors may charge more.

If you want to reduce the cost of learning to drive, it may be helpful to ask your instructor about booking lessons in bulk, as this can sometimes save you money.

It’s also worth noting that the price of automatic driving lessons can be more expensive compared to learning in a manual car. On average, the cost of automatic lessons ranges between £38 and £42 per hour.

How much does a provisional driving licence cost?

The cost of your provisional licence depends on how you choose to apply. If you do so online via the GOV.UK website, it costs £34. If you apply by post, using the D1 form, it’ll cost you £43.

In the UK, you can apply for your provisional licence up to three months before your 16th birthday. However, you won’t be able to get behind the wheel and start taking lessons until you're 17.

17 year olds with a provisional license will be able to drive on public roads with supervision. This could be a driving instructor or a friend or family member who meets the following criteria:

• Age 21 or over
• Is qualified to drive the type of vehicle you’re learning in
• Has had their full driving licence for at least 3 years 

How many driving lessons do I need?

There’s no minimum number of driving lessons you need before you take your test. However, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), learner drivers usually require around 24 hours of driving lessons before they’re test-ready. 

It’s also recommended that learners take on extra supervised practice outside their lessons with a professional instructor. Typically, 20-22 hours of private practice is a good benchmark to aim for. 

The amount of time it takes to learn to drive varies from person to person. Some drivers will need fewer hours before taking their test, while others may need extra practice. What’s important is that you feel safe, confident and competent behind the wheel. 

How much is the driving theory test? 

It costs £23 to take your driving theory test. This price is set by the DVSA and can be paid via the official GOV.UK website.

When you go to take your test, it’ll be split into two sections: the multiple-choice questions section and the hazard perception test. The £23 fee covers both sections of the test. 

Regardless of whether you take your theory test on a weekday, weekend, or bank holiday, the price will stay the same. So, you can choose a date and time that suits you best without having to worry about extra charges. 

And, if you need to take the test again, it’ll cost £23 per retake. Just remember to always book directly through the GOV.UK website, as other third-party websites may charge extra fees. 

How much is a practical driving test?

The cost of a practical test can range from £62 to £75.

The price varies depending on when you choose to take it. The cheapest time to take your test is before 4:30pm on a weekday, which costs £62.

If you choose to take your test after 4:30pm on a weekday, or on a weekend or bank holiday, the price increases to £75. 

In the event that you fail your driving test, you can book again through the GOV.UK website. However, you’ll need to pay the full fee again. So, either £62 or £75, depending on when you schedule your retake. 

If you’ve previously been disqualified from driving, you’ll have to take an extended test. This costs more than a regular test or retake, with current fees standing at £124 for weekday slots and £150 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. 

It’s also important to consider some of the additional costs associated with taking a driving test. For example, you’ll need a vehicle to take the test in. This could mean hiring out your instructor’s car for the test duration, which they may charge extra for. 

Do I need car insurance when learning to drive? 

Yes, you do need car insurance when you’re learning to drive. However, the type of cover can vary, and, in some cases, you can learn to drive without it. 

If you’re taking lessons with a professional instructor and don’t plan to do any extra practice outside of this, you might not have to pay for insurance. 

In many cases, your driving instructor will already have a commercial insurance policy in place, which covers you while you’re in their dual-control car. The insurance fees should be included in the cost of your lesson, meaning you won't have to pay any extra. 

However, if you’re planning to practice in your own car, it’s crucial you get provisional drivers insurance. Not all standard policies will cover learner drivers, so it’s worth checking your plan covers provisional licence holders before you buy. 

You’ll have to take out insurance in your name if you’re driving your own vehicle. But if you plan to practice in a friend or family member’s car, you have two main options: 

• Named driver insurance - This is where the owner of the vehicle you're learning in will add you as a named driver to their existing policy. 
• Learner driver insurance - Taking out a separate, short-term policy which allows you to drive a friend or family member’s car but protects their no-claims bonus in the event of an accident. 

How to save when learning to drive 

Learning to drive can be expensive, but saving money where you can will make all the difference. Fees vary between instructors, so before you commit to one person, it may be worth shopping around. 

Looking for introductory offers or referral deals can be a good place to start. And it may also be helpful to compare prices of both independent instructors and bigger, established driving schools to see what’s cheaper. 

Some instructors and schools may also offer a discount if you book driving lessons in a block, rather than one at a time. And you may get a cheaper per-hour rate by opting for a two-hour lesson rather than a shorter one. 

Making sure you maximise your lesson time can save you time and money in the long run, too. So, be sure to politely but firmly advocate for less discussion and more time behind the wheel during your sessions.