Driving lessons costs

When young people start to learn to drive, they are that one step closer to the independence we all yearn for. While many young people are keen to start driving lessons the moment they turn 17, the price can put them off.

The cost of learning to drive is a huge barrier that prevents keen drivers from being able to get the tuition they need to take their test in a reasonable amount of time. Many of these young drivers may only be working part time (if at all).

With the average price of a driving lesson now £30-40 an hour (according to Auto Express), it’s likely a huge percentage of their wages will be put towards learning to drive. This at a time when many will want to be out socialising.

The best way for anyone to ensure they have enough money for driving lessons is to budget accordingly. To help you do this, Tempcover has put together a guide to the average cost of learning to drive in the UK and all the other costs you may need to consider when getting behind the wheel for the first time.

What affects the price of driving lessons?

There is no set answer to this question as prices can vary depending on a number of different factors. These can include:

• The part of the UK you’re learning in
• Whether you buy lessons in bulk or individually
• Any special offers or discounts

As mentioned above, many driving instructors may offer special introductory rates or bulk booking discounts. You can research the instructors and schools in your local area to find one that suits your needs.

How many lessons do I need to pass a driving test?

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) recommends 47 hours of lessons before attempting your first driving test. In a time when most are feeling the pinch, this means at least £30 a weekly lesson can add up. If you only took the average amount of driving lessons at this average price, you’d be shelling out at least £1,410 before booking your test.

You’ll also have to bear in mind the prices for booking a theory test before taking your practical test (which you also pay for). If you don’t pass these tests the first time, you’ll have to pay for the retakes as well. At £23 for each theory test and £62 for a practical (£75 at weekends), these prices can also quickly add up.

If you do unfortunately fail, paying for extra driving lessons to get your confidence back up and improve on your faults will also add to the money you’re spending out.

What other costs are there when learning to drive?

Before even booking your first set of driving lessons, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence. A legal requirement before getting behind the wheel and driving on any public road, these cost £34 when bought online or £43 by post. You may also have to pay to update any details, including your photo and address, on your provisional licence.

Once you’ve got your provisional licence, you can go ahead and book your driving lessons. Most professional driving instructors will normally cover additional costs like L plates and insurance.

Alongside the 47 hours of lessons with an instructor, the DSA recommends a further 22 hours of private practice. If you want to get some extra driving in-between your lessons with a professional instructor, you could look into practising with a friend or family member.

Temporary learner insurance

Unless you’re already a named driver on the policy (which can be expensive), you’re going to need learner driver insurance. To only pay for the time you need – anything from 12 hours to 28 days – you can get Tempcover’s temporary learner driver insurance. Much like our temporary car insurance, it’s fast, flexible and fully comprehensive.

The vehicle owner (often Mum or Dad) will also enjoy complete peace of mind as their no claims discount is protected, meaning they wouldn’t lose it if the worst was to happen and you were to have an accident while learning to drive.

Reasons to get temporary learner driver insurance

• Extra practice – the more you drive, the more comfortable and confident you will be out on the road.
• Reduce the cost of learning – this extra practice won’t cost you as much as a lesson with a professional driver.
• Protect the owner’s no claims discount – short-term learner insurance does not affect any existing policy.
• Take your test in any car – Temporary learner driver insurance allows you to take your test in your own car or parents’ instead of your instructor’s.
• Complete peace of mind on the road – fully comprehensive cover comes as standard.

For the insurance you need to get those crucial extra hours of practice in a calm and comfortable environment, temporary learner driver insurance is the ideal way to save time and money. Get a quote in under 2 minutes from Tempcover today.

To get learner driver insurance, you must: 

• Be aged 17-69 years old.
• Hold a UK provisional driving licence.
• Have been a permanent UK resident for the last 12 months.
• Not have any licence points or prosecution pending for any motoring convictions.
• Have never been disqualified from driving.
• Have never driven a vehicle that was involved in an accident that was considered your fault; whether partially or fully
• Have no criminal convictions.
• Not have had a previous policy of insurance declared void by an insurer.

To get learner car insurance, the person supervising you must:

• Be aged over 25.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and held that licence for at least 3 years.
• Have been a permanent UK resident for at least 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is learner driver insurance?

Qualified driving instructors will have their own insurance to cover learner drivers, but if they’re enjoying some extra practice with friends or a family member, they’ll need learner driver insurance. Tempcover’s temporary learner driver insurance is flexible, comprehensive and won’t affect any no claims discounts.

How much does it cost to add a learner driver to my insurance?

This can vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of your vehicle and where you are based. Tempcover works with a group of underwriters to offer customers a very competitive rate for the time they need.

How do I add a learner driver to my insurance?

Tempcover It! Get a quote for temporary learner driver insurance and purchase the policy. A learner driver can start driving the car with someone else the moment the policy starts.

What insurance does a learner driver need?

The majority of qualified driving instructors will have the appropriate insurance already but if a learner is looking to get some extra practice in with some private lessons, they’re going to need to be insured on the car they drive. They can be added as a named driver to an existing annual policy but this can be expensive or you can get temporary learner driver insurance from Tempcover. From 12 hours to 28 days, this short-term solution is flexible to your needs.