As many of Britain’s learner drivers have cautiously returned to driving lessons after months of lockdown, new research reveals the true cost of passing a driving test.

The cost of cars and driving lessons are increasing massively across the country, which prompted experts from leasing giant LeaseVan.co.uk to research how much new drivers need to shell out before they can legally get behind the wheel.

The research highlights the cost of every element of learning, including paying for a provisional licence, driving lessons, the driving theory test and then the driving test itself.

Learner drivers must each fork out at least £1247 just to get behind the wheel, and as many learners are teenage, it means the parents are often splurging over a thousand pounds to get their kids on the road – and that’s before the cost of buying or leasing and insuring a vehicle.

Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “It’s a special moment for any learner driver when passing the practical driving test and sending off for a green driving license.

“But from finding lessons to preparing for the test and understanding what’s expected, it can be a complicated and expensive process. Learning to drive a car in the UK isn’t cheap, and the average cost can run into the thousands.

“Everybody learns at different rates and the number of lessons needed can differ based on age, frequency of lessons, extra driving practice and learning style. It’s so important to remember that everyone is different and learning to drive is a process that requires patience and perseverance.

” But even if a learner driver manages to pass their test first time, earning the privilege to be on British road can cost upwards of £1247, and here’s how.”

Provisional Licence

The provisional licence cost now varies from £34 for online applications to £43 for postal applications.

Lessons

Taking driving lessons will undoubtedly be the most costly part of learning to drive. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the average learner driver needs 47 lessons before they pass their test.

And on average, lessons cost around £24 each.

Test costs

A theory test costs £23 for cars, and the driving test costs £62. Please be aware, the costs are slightly more expensive for evenings, weekends and bank holidays which are £75 per test.

Extra costs

Adding yourself as a named driver to a family car is a great way of gaining extra practice, and this can vary from short-term additional cover from 2 hours through to 90 days. This means learners can legally drive in a family or friend’s car without affecting their existing policy. According to Confused.com, this can cost just £8.42 for 3 hours or £59.69 for one week’s cover.

There are also costs for additional revision such as a driving test success app costing £4.99, and a highway code book costing £2.

There are many ways to reduce these costs. LeaseVan.co.uk advise practising in a family car as this will offer valuable miles on the road and is much cheaper than using an instructor’s car. Like anything, practise makes perfect.

Block-booking or having two-hour lessons can often get learner drivers discounts, so ask around local instructors and see what they can offer.

If needed, intensive driving courses are also an option where Brits can learn to drive in under a week or two, and this can often work out cheaper, and quicker!