How to save money as a learner driver
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 2 years ago
5 min read
- Advice
- howto
WhoCanFixMyCar offers advice about how to save money when you're learning to drive
Learning to drive is more challenging than ever at the moment, with fuel prices skyrocketing and long waiting lists for test slots.
For many young people, the high costs associated with booking driving lessons, buying insurance and, most significantly, getting their first car present a barrier that’s almost impossible to overcome - particularly since used car prices are up nearly 30% compared to just a few years ago.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can cut the cost of learning to drive.
Contents
Prepare for your theory for free
1. Order your provisional online
Not only is it much easier to apply for your provisional driver’s license online, it’s also £9 cheaper than the traditional method of applying via post.
This might seem like it’s only a small saving, but when you’re learning to drive, every penny counts. Think of it as £9 off the price of your theory test or a driving lesson.
2. Find the right instructor
Depending on where you live, you might find that many instructors already have waiting lists. In this situation, it can be tempting to choose whichever instructor has enough availability for you to start lessons immediately - even if their prices are comparatively high.
However, you should always be on the lookout for the best, rather than the first, instructor you can find. Aim to find someone who not only has an excellent pass rate, but who also offers affordable lessons and/or discounts.
Many instructors offer discounts or reduced rates to attract new students, and they usually give you the option of buying lessons in bulk. While the cost of a block of lessons might seem daunting, it usually works out a lot cheaper than buying the same number of individual lessons.
3. Practice at home
Take advantage of any family members who are able and willing to take you out for lessons in their car between the lessons you have with your instructor.
Buying temporary learner driver insurance is usually cheaper than the cost of a lesson (depending on which provider you choose, you can insure yourself for a day or even just a few hours), and driving in a familiar car might make you more confident out on the road.
Plus, the more hours you spend driving, the faster you’ll pass your test. Learning with a family member at home will likely reduce the number of driving lessons you have to pay for.
4. Prepare for your theory for free
There’s no doubt that you should spend a significant amount of time practicing for your theory test before you sit the actual exam. If you fail, you’ll have to pay for another test in the future, and this will also probably increase the time it takes you to pass (so you’ll be paying for more lessons!).
There are plenty of free resources to help you pass on the government website and online; there’s no need to spend money on an expensive book or app.
5. Book your test at the right time
Unfortunately, the cost of booking your driving test is pretty much unavoidable, but by selecting the right day you could save money.
Normally, tests are £62. However, if you book your test on a bank holiday or a weekend it will be £75, so it definitely pays to choose a weekday!
Learner driver FAQs
Can I add a learner driver to my insurance?
If you have a full driving license and are 21 or older, you're allowed to take a learner driver out in your car. To do so, you'll either need to add the learner to your insurance or have them take out a temporary policy.
Can a learner driver drive alone?
Learner drivers must always be accompanied by a qualified driver who is at least 21 years old.
Can learner drivers drive at night?
Yes, learners can drive at nighttime, but driving in the dark can be challenging so they should only do this once they are confident.
Can learner drivers drive on the motorway?
It's illegal for learner drivers to drive on the motorway unless they are accompanied by a qualified instructor in a car that has dual controls.
What's the best way to insure a car for a learner driver?
The cheapest way to insure a learner driver is to take out temporary insurance whenever they are going to drive. This type of insurance can last for as little as a day or even a few hours, making it the cheapest option.
Alternatively, you could add a learner to your existing insurance policy, but depending on how often they are going to be driving the vehicle this could prove costly and not of good value.
For car repairs and servicing that won’t break the bank, use WhoCanFixMyCar. We’ll help you find the right garage at the right price.
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