Learning to drive has never been cheap, but new research from Confused.com reveals just how steep the climb really is. Learner motorists are looking at a minimum outlay of £924 simply to obtain their licence, and for many, the first year behind the wheel can cost up to £7,707. "Fortunately, avoiding a few common slip-ups could save families hundreds or even thousands of pounds in the long run," says Matt Crole-Rees, insurance expert at Confused.com. Below, he outlines the eight most expensive mistakes first-time drivers make.
The true cost of passing your test
Many learners focus only on the fee for the practical exam. But that is the smallest fraction of the real investment. The average student takes around 18.5 hours of professional lessons, which at current typical British rates comes to at least £777. Adding two practical attempts at £124 and the £23 theory test fee, the total reaches £924 before a licence is ever issued. Any extra tuition or multiple attempts pushes that figure even higher.
Why failing and waiting make it worse
Failing the practical test does far more than dent confidence. According to Freedom of Information data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, more than 2.3 million practical tests were taken by people aged 17 to 24 in Great Britain between January 2023 and March 2025. Nearly half of those attempts failed. Since many learners need at least two attempts, that adds roughly £124 in test fees, along with the cost of extra lessons in between.
Waiting times compound the problem. Between 2023 and 2025, the average backlog for practical assessments across Great Britain was 12.3 weeks. Some areas fared much worse. The longest average backlogs were recorded at the following locations:
- Isles of Scilly – 25.4 weeks
- Arbroath – 19.0 weeks
- Wellingborough – 17.3 weeks
- Pinner (London) – 17.0 weeks
- Montrose – 16.9 weeks
- Oban – 16.8 weeks
These lengthy waits often force learners to book top-up lessons just to keep their skills sharp. In some cases, a theory pass certificate can expire, meaning the whole process starts again from scratch.
Choosing a car without checking the insurance is a big mistake
Many first-time buyers pick a car based on looks or what a friend recommends, without considering insurance costs. Yet the total cost of running a vehicle can vary dramatically. For drivers aged 17 to 20, the most popular models show a huge range. A Fiat 500 Pop comes in at around £3,430 for the first year, while an Audi A1 Sport can reach £7,707. Purchase prices alone range from £1,970 to £6,200, with insurance premiums from £1,063 for the Fiat to £2,015 for the Audi. Vehicle tax also adds to the bill, from £20 to £35 for those models, but some popular choices such as the Volkswagen Polo S can cost up to £360 in tax alone.
These figures highlight why it is essential to look beyond the showroom price. Comparing the full 12-month running costs before signing on the dotted line can make a monumental difference to your budget.
The first year brings new financial pressures
Passing your test is only the beginning. Newly qualified drivers immediately face the challenge of buying and insuring their first vehicle. As the figures above show, typical first cars can cost between £3,430 and £7,707 in the first year. Ongoing expenses like fuel, road tax and maintenance must also be budgeted for, making it crucial to calculate the total cost of ownership before you commit.
Don't let delays and shortcuts empty your pockets
Delays are more than an inconvenience. A Confused.com study of 200 British learner drivers found that one in five had already spent more than £1,000 trying to get their licence. Over a quarter expect the process to take between five and six months from their first lesson to a pass. Every extra month means more lessons and more practice time, adding to the overall expense before they can enjoy any real independence.
While keeping costs down is understandable, choosing the absolute cheapest car is not always wise. More than one in four learners admit they would pick a vehicle solely on its upfront price. However, insurance, tax, fuel and maintenance will have a far bigger impact on your finances over the first year.
Compare before you commit
The difference between choosing one starter car over another can easily amount to thousands of pounds. Evaluating the full cost of ownership rather than just the ticket price helps new drivers make smarter choices. To help with this, Confused.com has developed a dedicated cost-of-driving tool. It allows learners and their parents to compare common starter vehicles, insurance premiums, fuel consumption, tax bands and purchase prices before committing.
Certain expenses are unavoidable, but picking the right first car can have a massive impact on your spending. Taking the time to compare options now could save a small fortune over the course of that crucial first year on the road.
