The cost of learning to drive has surged by a staggering 73% over the past five years, according to recent research. A survey of 1,000 parents with learner drivers revealed that the average expense of getting their child through a test in the past year has risen to £939, up from £543 three to five years ago.
A whopping eight out of ten parents contribute towards their child’s driving lessons, which were found to be the most significant expenditure, with costs soaring from £301 to £517. Alarmingly, 12 per cent of parents are forking out over £1,000 on these alone.
Costs on theory tests has also increased from £32 to £62, while the average spend on practical tests has leapt from £71 to £118, according to the study commissioned by Veygo.
In fact, 28 per cent of parents spent over £100 on practical driving tests, despite the standard test rate of £62.
As for the cost of practicing away from professional lessons, the cost of fuel has risen by £35, meaning it now costs around £96 for parents to take their children out for a spin.
Overall figures also included 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. »
Learners typically resit each test once, on average, according to the findings. However, parents often hesitate to supervise additional practice, taking their child out for practice just six times, on average, during the learning process.
Despite this, eight per cent confessed that their child could have passed quicker if they had spent more time with them on the road.
Indeed, industry data from the DVSA’s Safe Driving for Life campaign reveals learners who combine professional lessons with supervised practice are 50 per cent 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. »
