Driving lessons are pricey – here’s how to keep costs down

Learning to drive has never been cheap, and in recent years the cost has risen steeply. But there is some good news for tens of thousands of learners. If you booked lessons through certain major driving schools, you could now be due a refund.

Why refunds are being issued

More than 80,000 customers are set to receive payouts after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) took action against driving schools owned by the AA.

The regulator found that learners were subjected to an illegal pricing tactic known as drip pricing. As a result, the AA has been fined £4.2m and ordered to compensate affected customers.

What is ‘drip pricing’?

Drip pricing is a misleading sales technique where the full cost of a product or service isn’t shown upfront. Instead, customers are initially shown a lower price, with additional mandatory fees gradually added during the checkout process.

This can pressure people into continuing with a purchase they might have avoided if the true total had been clear from the start.

In this case, a compulsory £3 booking fee was not included in the advertised lesson price.

How much will you get?

The average refund is expected to be around £9, although the exact amount will vary depending on how many lessons or packages were purchased.

The good news is that affected customers don’t need to do anything. The driving schools will contact individuals directly, and refunds will be issued automatically to the original payment card.

The rising cost of learning to drive

Driving lessons have become more expensive. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the average cost of a one-hour lesson in the UK is now between £36 and £40, up from £31 to £35 in 2023.

With costs climbing, it’s more important than ever to find ways to save money while learning.

How to keep driving lesson costs down

While learning to drive will always require an investment, there are several practical ways to reduce the overall cost.

Pass your theory test early

You can’t book your practical test until you’ve passed the theory. Getting this done quickly saves both time and money, and lets you focus fully on practical skills.

Book instructors directly

Going through a driving school often means instructors pay commission on bookings. By contacting an instructor directly, you may be able to secure a lower rate, and sometimes even a discount.

Check instructor credentials

Make sure your instructor is registered with the DVSA. This ensures they are properly qualified and meet UK standards.

Shop around

Prices can vary widely. Compare local instructors and look out for introductory offers or promotions.

Buy lessons in bulk

Block bookings, such as 10 lessons at a time, can often reduce the hourly rate, offering better value overall.

Take longer lessons

Two-hour sessions can be more efficient than one-hour slots, as less time is spent recapping previous material.

Practice privately

Supplementing lessons with practice in a family member’s or friend’s car can significantly cut costs. Just make sure you have the correct learner driver insurance.

Choose off-peak times

Lessons during weekdays or daytime hours are often cheaper than evenings and weekends.

Consider intensive courses

Although more expensive upfront, intensive courses can reduce the total number of lessons needed by maintaining momentum and avoiding skill loss between sessions.

Build good habits early

The safer and more consistent your driving, the fewer lessons you’ll need, saving money in the long run.

Learning to drive is a major milestone. With refunds on the way for some and smart strategies available, there are ways to make the journey a little more affordable.