The Soaring Cost of Learning to Drive in the UK
Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many young people, but the journey to getting on the road is becoming increasingly longer, more uncertain, and more expensive. According to a report by The Guardian, the average waiting time to take a driving test in the UK has reached 20 weeks, with some learners facing waits of up to six months.
The cost of learning to drive is also on the rise, with the average cost of practical lessons increasing to £1,575. The cost of a provisional licence is £34, while the theory test costs £23. Learners also need to pay for driving lessons, which can vary in price depending on the driving school, location, and type of vehicle. The Guardian reports that the average hourly rate for lessons in Edinburgh is £38 for a manual car and £40 for an automatic, while in London, learners can expect to pay £40 an hour for a manual car and £42 for an automatic.
One of the most significant expenses for learner drivers is the cost of driving lessons. The Guardian cites data from the DVSA, which suggests that it takes an average of 45 hours of driving lessons and some additional hours of private practice to pass a test. RED, a well-known driving school, reckons most automatic vehicle learners need between 20 and 40 hours of lessons before they are test ready. The RAC says a reasonable price for a driving lesson is typically between £25 and £45 an hour, depending on where you live.
In addition to the cost of lessons, learners also need to pay for the practical driving test, which costs £62 on weekdays or £75 for evenings, weekends, or bank holidays. The test is a significant hurdle for many learners, with the first-time pass rate for the UK practical driving test being around 48.5%. The Guardian reports that some test centres have significantly higher success rates than others, with the Isles of Scilly having the highest pass rate in the UK at 87.5%.
The cost of learning to drive is not just a financial burden; it also has a significant impact on learners’ mental health and wellbeing. Glen, a 24-year-old accounting associate from Glasgow, has spent over £1,160 on learning to drive and taking the tests. He told The Guardian that the pressure of the test and the long waiting times for test slots are taking a toll on his mental health. "It’s pretty disheartening," he said. "I was totally, totally ready for the test, totally confident. My instructor was confident in me but it’s all that pressure on the actual day."
The UK government has promised to make thousands of extra driving tests available each month, with the aim of reducing average waiting times to seven weeks by the summer of 2026. However, for many learners, the damage has already been done. The Guardian reports that some learners are being forced to pay for apps that snap up cancellations or fork out for tests on the hidden market.
In conclusion, the cost of learning to drive in the UK is becoming increasingly expensive and inaccessible. The long waiting times for test slots, combined with the high cost of lessons and tests, are putting a significant burden on learners. As The Guardian reports, the soaring cost of learning to drive is a major concern for many young people, who are already facing significant financial pressures.
Learners can take some steps to reduce the cost of learning to drive. For example, they can opt for intensive courses, which can be more cost-effective than traditional lessons. They can also use free resources such as YouTube videos to revise for the theory test. Additionally, learners can compare the cost of learner insurance on price comparison websites such as Confused.com and MoneySuperMarket.
Ultimately, the cost of learning to drive in the UK is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. The government, driving schools, and insurers must work together to make learning to drive more accessible and affordable for all. As The Guardian notes, the issue is not just about the cost of learning to drive, but also about the impact it has on learners’ lives and their ability to access work and education opportunities.
