Cost
of Driving Lessons and Ways to keep it Down
There's no escaping the fact that learning to drive is expensive
. According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) it takes on
average 45 hours of lessons and 20 hours of private
practice to pass the driving test. The cost of lessons has sky-rocketed in
recent years, with many learners paying between £30-50. Taking £40 as average
that's £1800 just for lessons.
There are other costs too; a
provisional driving licence is £34, the theory test is £23 and the driving test
itself is £75. Totting that up, you can expect to pay upwards of £1919!
Obviously, when it comes to preparing yourself, for lifetime of safe motoring you
don't want to cut corners but there are ways to save.
Block-book lessons
Many driving schools and instructors
offer a discount for block-booking
lessons. For example, a driving school might offer lessons at £35/hr but a
block booking for 10 at £330 (£30 saving)
However, do wait until you're sure the
instructor and your teen are a good fit for each other before taking the
plunge. You don't want them to be locked into a tutor-pupil relationship that
just isn't working. Once you know your teen is happy to continue with their
instructor then by all means take advantage of the savings.
Choose the right insurance
You can take out learner driver insurance,
which can be taken out on short periods ie month by month basis.
The more you
practice, the faster they're likely to pass their test.
It's cheaper to take a driving test on
a weekday (£62) than evenings, weekends and bank holidays (£75), so book
strategically to save money.
Stay
Calm on your Test Day
No matter how desperate you are for you
to pass first time so you can stop
shelling out for lessons, do your best not to let it show.
Use techniques such as breathing
exercises, affirmations such as 'I am ready to drive alone' or imagining that
they are a different character, such as a cool, calm airline pilot, to get them
into the right emotional and mental space for a successful test pass."