The cost of learning to drive has risen by 73% in the last five years, according to research. A study of 1,000 parents of learner drivers found the average cost of getting their child through a test in the past year has climbed to £939, up from £543 three to five years ago.
The biggest expense is lessons – rising from £301 to £517 – with 12% of parents spending over £1,000 on these alone. The amount spent on theory tests has gone up from £32 to £62, while the average outlay for practical tests has jumped from £71 to £118, according to the research commissioned by Veygo.
In fact, 28% of parents spent over £100 on practical driving tests, despite the standard test rate of £62.
When it comes to practice hours away from professional lessons, the cost of fuel has increased by £35, reaching £96 for those who take their children out.
And the overall figures also include insurance costs – now averaging £144, compared to £76 between three and five years ago.
James Armstrong, young driver expert at the temporary car insurer, said: “The increasing cost of driving lessons is bumping up the total bill of learning to drive.
“At the same time, multiple failed attempts by learner drivers are adding to this expense for parents.”
The study went on to find eight in 10 parents contributed towards their child’s lessons.
And it found learners typically resit each test once, on average, according to the findings.
However, mums and dads are often reluctant to supervise additional practice – taking their child out just six times, on average, during the learning process.
This is despite 8% admitting their child could have passed quicker if they had spent more time with them on the road.
In fact, industry data from the DVSA’s Safe Driving for Life campaign shows learners who combine professional lessons with supervised practice are 50% more likely to pass first time.
James Armstrong from Veygo added: “It’s important for parents to shop around for the costs they can control, including looking for a better insurance deal and consider the benefits of having flexible insurance, so they can practice whenever they need to.”