Cost of Driving Lessons in the UK (2025)
Before
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Tests
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Average cost of learning to drive
Learning to drive can be expensive – especially if you’re a young driver on a tight budget.
With inflation and higher prices hitting the UK harder than they have in years, the cost of driving lessons has shot up, making it even tougher for learners.
To help you plan ahead, we’ve pulled together a list of typical costs so you can see how much learning to drive might set you back.
What does the cost of learning to drive include?
It covers your driving lessons with an instructor, any extra private practice between lessons, and the key legal steps like getting your provisional licence, and booking and paying for your theory and practical tests.
Note on costs
These are average costs and will vary depending on where you live, who you learn with, and how much private practice you do. It's meant as a rough guide to help you budget for learning to drive.
How much does learning to drive cost?
Here’s what it could cost you in total to learn to drive:
| Learning to drive | Cost |
|---|---|
45 hours of driving lessons (independent driving instructor). | £1,530 |
1-hour pre-test lesson and use of instructor's car. | £70 |
Provisional licence and test fees. | £119 |
Theory and practical revision materials. | £40 |
Learner driver insurance (6 months). | £750 |
Fuel for driving practice. | £100 |
Total estimated cost | £2,609 |
Total estimated cost of learning to drive is £2609
Cost of driving lessons with big driving schools
If you go with a well-known franchise like The AA, expect to pay around £36 for a one-hour driving lesson in Greater Manchester — and up to £45 per hour if you live in West Sussex (April 2025 figures).
You might save up to 10% by block booking lessons or taking two-hour sessions. Branded driving schools often offer extras like theory test support or letting you choose which car you learn in.
How much do independent instructors charge?
Independent instructors are usually cheaper.
In West Sussex, a typical independent instructor charges around £38 per hour, while in Greater Manchester, it’s closer to £32 per hour.
However, prices vary a lot and can be harder to compare than with big schools.
What is the average cost of driving lessons?
Working out the average cost isn’t simple.
Prices vary depending on whether you choose a big school or an independent, one-hour or two-hour lessons, manual or automatic, and where you live.
We’ve pulled together figures from top UK driving sites to give a ballpark estimate.
Alongside lessons, the DVSA recommends around 22 hours of private practice with family or friends. Getting extra time behind the wheel can boost your confidence — and might even help you pass with fewer lessons.
The average cost for a one-hour driving lesson is around £34.
(This is based on manual lessons with independent instructors, not including block booking discounts.)
With the DVSA recommending around 45 hours of lessons to pass first time, that adds up to roughly £1,530.
Some learners also choose an intensive driving course to pass quickly. These fast-track courses typically cost between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on the course length, location, and whether the test fee is included.
Find a good driving instructor
Choosing your instructor carefully can save you time, boost your confidence, and even cut hundreds of pounds off your total learning cost.
Choosing your instructorCost of automatic v manual lessons
Learning in an automatic car is becoming more popular — around 20% of young drivers now take their test in automatics.
Automatic lessons can cost more than manual ones, and if you pass in an automatic, you’ll only be licensed to drive automatics unless you later pass a manual test.
Cost for a Provisional licence, Theory test and Practical test
Provisional Licence
Your journey starts by getting a provisional licence, the cost of your provisional licence is £34 if you apply online or £43 by post.
Good news: Once you pass your practical test, it’s free to upgrade your provisional licence to a full licence — no extra charges.
Theory test
Booking your theory test costs £23 — whether it’s a weekday, evening, or weekend slot.
If you fail, you’ll need to pay again to rebook.
Your theory test certificate is valid for two years, and if it expires before you pass your driving test, you’ll need to retake it.
Practical driving test
Booking your practical test costs £62 on weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends, or bank holidays.
If you don’t pass, you’ll need to pay again to rebook.
Theory test revision materials
You’ll want to invest in revision tools like the official DVSA Theory Test Guide and mock theory tests online.
Estimated cost: around £40.
Cost of learner driver insurance for private practice
When you take lessons with a qualified instructor, their insurance covers you.
But if you want to get extra practice with family or friends, you’ll need learner driver insurance:
- Option 1: Get added as a named driver on the car owner’s insurance (might risk their no-claims bonus).
- Option 2: Take out your own temporary learner driver insurance to protect both you and the car owner.
If you’re practising in your own car, you’ll need 12-month learner insurance — many insurers allow you to cancel or upgrade once you pass.
Estimated cost: £125/month → Allowing for six months = £750.
Fuel for private practice
Practising with family or friends will burn some fuel!
Allow around £100 for extra petrol or diesel costs.
Financial help with learning to drive
If you’re on a low income or facing tough financial circumstances, you might be able to get help towards driving lesson costs.
The King’s Trust: Offers grants and funding support for young people looking to learn skills, including driving. Find out more at The King’s Trust.
Local Councils: Some councils provide grants or vouchers for driving lessons, especially if you’re a job seeker or young person starting work or education. Check your local council’s website for any schemes available in your area.
Cost of using your driving instructor’s car for the test
Most learners use their instructor’s car for the driving test.
Your instructor may charge for this separately — often the cost of a one- or two-hour lesson — to cover their time, insurance, and use of the car.
Many instructors also recommend a final warm-up lesson right before your test to settle your nerves.
Estimated cost: £70.
You’re investing in your future
Learning to drive is a big investment, but it’s one of the best skills you’ll ever gain.
By planning your costs early — and maybe getting a little financial help — you can stay on track and get your licence without nasty surprises.
FAQs
How much are driving lessons with a big driving school like the AA?
Learning with one of the big driving schools, such as the AA, will vary considerably depending on where you live—about £28 for a one-hour driving lesson in the Greater Manchester area. Alternatively, a one hour lesson could reach £38 if you live in Surrey. Visit the page for more about driving lessons from a driving school.
What is the average cost of driving lessons from an Independent instructor?
You could choose to have driving lessons with an independent driving instructor. They’re often cheaper than the large driving schools, with the average UK price per hour of £34 before discounts.
What is the approximate total cost of learning to drive?
Now you are asking! Most of the cost of learning to drive is the lessons. How many hours of instruction you need to pass the test will dictate the price you pay. DVSA say 45 hours is the norm to pass the test on the first attempt. Visit the page to see our cost of learning to drive infographic to understand how we reach the total cost of around £2569.