The latest research reveals a significant 73% increase in the cost of learning to drive over the past five years. A survey of 1,000 parents of learner drivers indicates that the average expense to guide their children through a driving test has surged to £939 in the last year, up from £543 three to five years ago.
An overwhelming eight out of ten parents reported contributing to their child’s driving lessons, with costs escalating from £301 to £517. A striking 12% of parents have spent a hefty £1,000 on lessons alone.
The expenditure on theory tests has also climbed from £32 to £62, while the standard cost for practical tests has risen from £71 to £118, as per research conducted by Veygo.
Surprisingly, a third of parents have spent over £100 on practical driving tests, surpassing the standard fee of £62. Additionally, with a £35 rise in petrol prices, parents now spend £96 on average for extra driving practice sessions with their children.
The overall expenses also include insurance costs, now averaging £144 compared to £76 between three and five years ago.
James Armstrong, a young driver expert at the temporary car insurer, stated that the escalating cost of driving lessons is inflating the overall bill of learning to drive. He also highlighted that multiple failed attempts by learner drivers are further adding to the financial burden for parents.
Despite learners typically retaking each test once on average, parents are reluctant to provide additional practice sessions, only taking their children out around six times on average throughout the learning process. While 8% of parents admit that more practice behind the wheel could have led to their child passing sooner.
Data from the DVSA’s Safe Driving for Life campaign indicates that learners who combine professional lessons with supervised practice are 50% more likely to pass their test on the first attempt.
Flexible insurance options could offer parents the convenience of insuring their children only when needed, for the required duration. James Armstrong from Veygo emphasized the importance for parents to explore cost-saving opportunities, such as seeking better insurance deals and considering the advantages of flexible insurance policies for increased practice opportunities.