You have to be an earner to be a learner

Hikes in the cost of practical and theory driving tests, announced by the Driving Standard Authority (DSA) last summer, are set to put further strain on would-be drivers’ pockets when they come into force on 1st April. Analysis by uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, reveals that the price rise will leave learners forking out an additional £14.4 million just to sit driving tests. In total, these tests alone will now generate a staggering £128 million a year for the DSA.

The whole process of learning to drive is a pricey endeavour. Taking into account the cost of a provisional licence, driving lessons and the fees to sit the tests themselves, Brits will now have to fork out a total of £1,337 each. This adds up to almost £1 billion a year just to get a driving licence without the subsequent costs of buying, insuring and running a car. With more than 1.5 million practical tests and 1.3 million theory tests taken each year, this is a nice little L–earner for the DSA.

Ashton Berkhauer, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, comments: “New drivers shouldn’t be under any illusions - learning to drive carries a hefty price tag. Men can now expect to pay over £1,069 to learn to drive, while women can expect to foot a bill of £1,605 as they take on average 20 lessons more than men. With the average person sitting their practical test two to three times before passing, learners must also have a contingency fund to cover the cost of initial failure.”

Learner drivers on the decrease

Further analysis from uSwitch.com reveals that from 2006 - 2007, the total number of younger people (17-21 year olds) sitting their practical driving test decreased by 32,265. Overall, the number of people across all age groups learning to drive is down by 44,090.

For those drivers who do manage to fund and successfully pass their driving test, the costs don’t end as the celebrations begin. Ripping up the L-plates to start a new independent life on the road doesn’t come cheap. New drivers must factor in the cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle, including road tax, MOT, fuel costs (which currently stand at an all time high) and insurance.

Berkhauer concludes: “With 58% of learners aged between 17-21, it is these younger drivers who may not be in a financial position to absorb the spiralling costs. This could result in more people being forced to postpone learning to drive or putting it off altogether as it becomes financially out of reach. It also increases the likelihood of people side stepping the costs altogether by driving without a licence. This is both dangerous and illegal, and unfortunately, the DSA’s decision to hike test costs by more than 12% may not help.”

Younger drivers can expect to pay as much as £695 for their car insurance – 67% more than the national average premium of £416. These costs makeit essential for young drivers to save themselves money wherever they can and shop around for the most competitive deal. After struggling to meet the financial burden of learning to drive, saddling yourself with additional unnecessary expense could be a step too far, resulting in the dream of independence remaining ‘parked’ - along with the car.