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."