No matter where you are, learning to drive can be a costly experience which many young people struggle with being able to afford. Not only is there the cost of lessons, you also have to factor in paying for your provisional licence, theory test and practical test. There are, however, some ways you can save money and cut the cost of learning to drive. Here are some ways you can learn to drive on a budget.
Apply for your provisional licence online
You can start making savings before you even begin your driving lessons—the first step for anyone wanting to learn to drive is to apply for a provisional licence. There are two ways you can apply for your provisional licence, and the cost varies depending on which option you choose.
Here are the options:
– Apply for your provisional driving licence online – this will cost £34
– Apply for a provisional licence by post – this will cost £43
By applying for a provisional driving licence online, you will save not only money but also time. When you apply online, your licence should be with you within just one week. On the other hand, if you send off a postal application, your licence can take up to 3 weeks to arrive.
Take advantage of our block bookings
Paying for your driving lessons in blocks is the most cost-effective way to pay for your driving lessons. New pupils at DRIVE driving school can book 10 hours for £350, which comes with the pass your test guarantee and access to online support material as well!
Driving lesson vouchers
Another great way you can save some money is to ask friends and family for money or driving lesson vouchers for birthday and Christmas presents. We offer personalised vouchers for all occasions which can be redeemed against any of our driving lessons. The best thing about receiving vouchers rather than money is that you won’t be able to spend the vouchers on anything else that catches your eye!
Theory test
The theory test costs £23; you can save money by preparing for your driving theory test properly and passing the first time. Take advantage of the range of free resources provided on our learner centre to improve your practical driving skills and theory knowledge.
Pupils learning to drive with us also get access to theory test pro included in the cost of their lessons. Theory test pro can be used to practice all topics included in the theory test, and you can also take mock theory tests to see if you’re ready for the real thing. The more you practice and revise, the more likely you are to pass first time and avoid having to fork out another £23 to sit the test again.
Practice with friends and family
In addition to learning with a qualified instructor, we recommend having some additional practice with a friend or family member who can supervise a learner driver. While there’s no replacement for a professional, approved driving instructor, practising in between lessons is a great way to build up confidence and gain more driving experience. Private practice may reduce the number of lessons you need with an instructor, thus saving you money!
Practical driving test
Of course, the best and most obvious way to save money learning to drive is to learn quickly and pass your driving test first time. Failing your driving test isn’t a big deal, but it will end up costing you time and money. As well as having to pay an additional £62-£75 for another test, you will also have to pay for extra lessons while you wait for your new test date.
Our driving instructors will make sure you’re as prepared as possible to take your test and will only take you for your test if they’re 100% sure you’re ready. However not everyone can pass the first time, and mistakes happen, if you do have to take your test more than once you can save money by booking a weekday test which is £62, whereas weekend/evening tests are £75.
Learning to drive doesn’t have to cost a fortune
If you’re smart and follow the tips given above, learning to drive doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. You can save money at each stage of learning to drive, which all adds up to big savings. Take advantage of any freebies and special deals we have on offer and don’t rush to take your test; otherwise you may end up having to pay for it twice!
