Learning to drive is one of the most exciting parts of growing up and becoming independent. However, it can be a costly task to undertake with lots of outgoings you need to consider, from the driving lessons cost to the practical driving test cost.
We’ve pulled together this handy guide to break down the key things you will need to account for and how to save money while learning to drive.
What costs you’ll need to consider to learn to drive
You will need to consider several costs when you begin to learn to drive. The price of learning to drive includes your:
- Application for your provisional driving licence
- Driving lessons
- Theory test
- Theory test app and revision material
- Practical driving test
- Use of your driving instructor’s car for your practical driving test
Provisional driving licence cost
Your provisional licence will cost £34 if you apply online, or £43 if you apply by post. You need a provisional driving licence to learn to drive in the UK. A provisional driving licence means you can have professional lessons and drive under the supervision of a driving instructor or learn with another driver over the age of 21 who has held a full driving licence for at least three years.
How much are driving lessons in the UK?
On average, the cost of driving lessons in the UK ranges between £36 and £50 an hour, however, this can vary depending on the location of your driving lessons (for example, driving lessons in London could cost as much as £40 in some places) and the driving school you learn to drive with. Overall, £36 per hour is a good benchmark to work from.
Buying lessons in bulk may work out cheaper, for example, Bill Plant Driving School offers a bulk of 10 hours from £330. It would be worth speaking with your chosen driving instructor to see if they offer bulk hour discounts and what their individual bulk rates are.
How many driving lessons do you need to take in order to pass?
It typically takes your average learner driver 45 hours of lessons to pass their test, however, it’s important to remember that everyone is different and learns at different paces. For example, if you pause your driving lessons at any point, you may require additional lessons to get back up to speed.
How much is the cost of the driving theory and practical test?
Before you can complete your practical test you will first need to pass your theory test. It will cost you £23 to book your theory test online, and remember this test will test your knowledge on the highway code and hazards.
Once you have passed the theory test you will be able to book your practical driving test to attain your full licence. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) charges £62 to take its standard practical driving test on a weekday or £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
If you would like to get in some additional practice before the actual driving test, you can ask your driving instructor to provide you with an extra hour lesson beforehand to calm any nerves you may have.
How much on average does it cost to learn to drive?
Based on the outgoings above, the total average cost of learning to drive is around £1,536. This cost of learning to drive is broken down in the following way:
| Cost of learning to drive | Cost |
| Provisional driving licence | £34 online or £43 if you apply by post |
| Driving lessons (based on an average estimate at £36 an hour over 45 lessons) | £1,620 |
| Theory test (Including hazard perception test) | £23 |
| Theory test app (for example, The Bill Plant App) | £4.99 |
| Practical driving test | £62 on a weekday or £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. |
| Use of driving instructor’s car on test day | £100 – £130 based on hours required |
| Total (Using highest averages) | £1,843.99 – £1,895.99 |
Of course, this total cost will depend on a few factors, including the driving school you use to learn to drive, whether you pass your tests on the first try, the number of lessons you need and which theory test revision material you use.
Budgeting tips
- Plan for test retakes – Not everyone passes their theory or practical driving test the first time, and that’s perfectly normal. With the theory test costing £23 and the practical test starting at £62, it’s wise to budget for at least one retake of each, just in case. Factoring in this possibility can help avoid unexpected costs later in your learning journey.
- Account for top-up lessons – Even if you budget for the average 45 hours of lessons, you may find yourself needing a few extra hours before you feel confident and test-ready, especially if you’ve had any long gaps in practice. Setting aside an extra £108–£180 (around 3–5 extra hours) can be a sensible buffer to avoid feeling rushed.
- Be realistic about learning duration – Some learners can expect to pass within 6 months, but between instructor availability, test booking wait times, and your own schedule, it often takes longer. If you’re taking one or two lessons a week, the full process could span several months to a year. Budgeting over a longer period can make the cost feel more manageable and reduce pressure.
Is one driving lesson a week enough?
While one driving lesson a week might fit better into your schedule or budget, it’s not always the most effective way to learn to drive, especially if you’re aiming to pass quickly and build your confidence behind the wheel.
The problem with only driving once a week is that you’re more likely to forget key skills or lose momentum between lessons. Learning to drive is all about consistency, and the more time you spend in the car, the quicker your muscle memory, hazard perception, and confidence will develop.
If you can manage two lessons per week, or even a two-hour session instead of one, you’ll likely find yourself progressing faster, needing fewer total lessons, and spending less overall. Many learner drivers also find that they feel more relaxed and “in the flow” with longer or more frequent sessions.
That said, everyone learns differently. If once a week is all you can manage for now, that’s still progress — but consider boosting your practice by:
- Taking out learner driver insurance and practising with a family member
- Using our theory packages to stay engaged between lessons
- Booking a block of lessons to keep up a regular routine
If your goal is to pass as efficiently as possible, a block booking could be a smarter long-term investment.
Are two-hour driving lessons better than one-hour lessons?
For most learner drivers, two-hour driving lessons offer better value, faster progress, and a more efficient learning experience, especially when compared to shorter one-hour sessions.
Longer lessons give you more time to warm up, practise new skills, and build confidence behind the wheel without constantly stopping and starting. Instead of spending half the lesson time getting back into the flow (especially if you’ve had a week between sessions), you can dive deeper into each topic, whether that’s tackling roundabouts, dual carriageways, or practising manoeuvres.
Here’s why many instructors (including ours) recommend two-hour lessons:
- More driving, less admin: Briefing, recaps, and reviews take time. With two-hour lessons, you cover more ground without doubling the non-driving parts.
- Better value: Some driving schools (like Bill Plant Driving School) offer reduced hourly rates when booking longer sessions, so you save money over time.
- Improved memory retention: The extra practice helps you absorb and retain what you’ve learned, cutting down on the total number of lessons needed.
- More diverse driving experience: Two-hour sessions give you time to explore a wider range of roads, such as dual carriageways or country lanes, that might be off-limits in a shorter lesson.
That said, not everyone thrives on longer sessions. If you find it difficult to concentrate for two hours straight, or if you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, shorter lessons might be a better fit until your confidence grows.
The key is to find what works best for you. A good instructor will be happy to adapt the lesson length to suit your learning style and pace, whether that’s one hour, two hours, or even a structured intensive course.
10 Tips on cutting the cost of getting your driving licence
- Book lessons in bulk
Most driving schools, like Bill Plant Driving School, offer a discount when you pay upfront for multiple lessons. - Look out for introductory offers
Many instructors offer discounted rates for your first few lessons, which is a great way to try them out while saving money at the start. - Practice with family or friends
If you have a suitable car and a qualified supervisor, private practice is a cost-effective way to reinforce what you learn in lessons. Just make sure you’re properly insured. - Use free or shared theory materials
Instead of buying a theory test book or app, borrow one from a friend or check your local library. Bill Plant Driving School also offers low-cost access to their theory app for just £4,99. - Avoid long gaps between lessons
Spacing lessons too far apart can lead to forgetting key skills, meaning more lessons overall. A consistent schedule helps you learn faster and spend less. - Take two-hour lessons
Longer sessions often work out cheaper per hour and allow more time for practice, reducing how many total lessons you might need. - Pass your tests first time
Each failed test costs extra in booking fees and time. Prepare thoroughly with mock tests and lessons focused on common test mistakes to give yourself the best chance of passing. - Consider off-peak lesson times
Some instructors offer lower rates for lessons during weekdays or off-peak hours, so ask about availability outside evenings and weekends. - Choose manual if you can
Learning in an automatic can be quicker, but manual lessons are often cheaper and give you more flexibility with car options in the future. - Use a reputable driving school
Cheaper isn’t always better. A good instructor can help you pass with fewer lessons, meaning better value in the long run.