A new study has found that the average learner driver now spends at least £924 on driving lessons, theory tests, and practical tests before passing. This financial burden is pushing one in five learners to consider giving up on driving altogether.
Breakdown of Costs
The typical learner completes 18.5 hours of lessons, costing around £777 based on average national prices. In addition, drivers must pay £23 for their theory test. Around half of learner drivers need at least two attempts to pass their practical test, meaning many spend about £124 on test fees alone.
Impact on Learners
Almost one in five learners (19 per cent) admitted they have considered giving up because they cannot afford the costs. Matt Crole-Rees, Confused's car insurance expert, commented: "Learning to drive has always been a major milestone, but for many young people the costs involved are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Between lessons, theory tests, practical tests and the expense of buying and insuring a first car, it's easy to see how the total cost can quickly run into the thousands." He added: "Our research shows that many learners are already making sacrifices to afford getting on the road, with some even questioning whether they can afford to learn to drive at all. At the same time, lengthy waiting times and the need to retake tests can add further costs and delays to the process."
Revenue from Tests
Another Freedom of Information request to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency showed that more than £400 million was spent on practical driving tests across the UK between 2023 and 2025. This saw annual income from practical driving tests increase by 7 per cent over the period, rising from £128 million in 2023 to £137 million in 2025. Learners across Britain spent £221.6 million on theory tests between 2023 and 2025, racking up £79.6 million in 2025 alone.
