You will need to take lessons with an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor). Which again, costs a lot of money in our current climate. Roughly, the average instructor charges at least £22 an hour. Now, you need to add up the amount of lessons you’ll need. Which is averagely you age, 2x, +2. Which, in layman’s terms is nearly 40 lessons for a 17 year old which comes to a total cost of: £880.
It is extremely important to sort out your finances before learning to drive. Why? Because, you don’t want to have to fail your test to not be able to take more lessons, to then take it again – this could be months of lessons with the current waiting times for driving tests, alternately you could use a company like this to speed the process up, but still – it will cost more money in the long run. The average length of time it takes to learn is only an average and it could be more or less.
Throughout the driving test, the examiner will mark your driving standards – things like how safe you are and overall driving ability. This again, costs £62 and £77 on weekends.
Other potential costs
Insurance cover – yes, that’s right. In some people opt to drive with a friend or family member to save money, but… does it really save you money? Learner insurance is very costly – some would argue it would be cheaper to just pay for instructor fees instead.
Fees after you pass your test
Buying your first car can be extremely expensive. Even if you purchase ‘a banger’ this can still be at least £500. Then there’s the upkeep of the car. A more up market car can cost anything from 5 thousand, to even millions.
Tax
Taxing your car can be expensive. It all depends on the current emissions as to how much it costs. If it is an economical car the tax is less, if the car is bad for the environment it costs even more.
Insurance
Insurance is the main cost for learner driving. With tiny one-litre engines still costing two thousand pounds or more without a black box. With a black box, it ranges from £800-1500.
Maintenance
The maintenance – this can be very costly. It’s also what is called a variable cost. The only certainty you have is your yearly MOT. Which costs from £30-60. When I say variable, if you clutch dies on you – this could set you back thousands of pounds.
Fuel
You may hear your parents talk about how much fuel is. Fuel is rapidly increasing in cost – this is people there is a limited amount of it. With the population (demand) increasing, yet the supply reducing, this in turn puts the prices up. Also, the government majorly tax this because it’s an essential item. Current prices are £1.30, but can range to £1 to £1.50p. Now, this doesn’t seem like much money, but it definitely adds up. Make sure you have a steady income, if you would like to drive.