UK Driving Lesson Costs Soar 73%

The cost of learning to drive in the United Kingdom has surged by 73% over the past five years, according to research commissioned by Admiral Group. The average expense for parents to get their child through a driving test has risen to £939, up from £543. Driving lessons are the largest expenditure, increasing from £301 to £517, with 12% of parents spending over £1,000. Theory test costs nearly doubled from £32 to £62, and practical tests increased from £71 to £118. Fuel costs for practice have also risen to £96, and insurance costs have almost doubled to £144. James Armstrong, a young driver expert at Admiral Group, noted that multiple failed attempts contribute to the expense. Loveday Ryder, chief executive of the United Kingdom — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, stated the agency is working to reduce waiting times. The United Kingdom — Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's 'Safe Driving for Life' campaign highlights that combining professional lessons with supervised practice increases the likelihood of passing the first time.