How to save money when learning drive

How can I save money learning to drive?

a) Type of car you learn to drive in

Auto Express reported last year that of the 1.8 million practical driving tests conducted across Britain in 2024, 470,000 were automatic. This is almost one in four, but, according to The AA it could come at a more expensive cost for those learners. This is because automatic cars tend to be more expensive to both buy and maintain.

A manual car is likely to be cheaper to buy outright once they’ve passed their test, and if they pass in a manual they’ll be able to drive both types of transmission. If they pass in an automatic, they will only be legally able to drive automatic cars.

There are various reasons for choosing either type of transmission, from personal preference and comfort to health issues. Check out our manual vs automatic guide for more information.

b) Make the most of your lesson time

Booking hourly lessons may be cheaper but by the time they’ve ‘warmed up’, they might find the time has flown by. Booking two-hour sessions may be more expensive in the short term but learners will get more experience quicker, which could save them in the long run.

Learners should avoid any situations where an instructor ‘piggybacks’ lessons. This is where they’ll ask to pick up another learner during a lesson and have them in the back while finishing the session.

Getting the most amount of tuition is the best way to get value for money. Your learner should ensure they’re comfortable while on the road and that the instructor is fully focused and not texting, talking or distracted during the lesson.

c) Single lessons vs block bookings vs intensive courses

When it comes to choosing a driving instructor, there are a number of options. Learners can pay for single lessons as and when they need them, but many instructors are likely to offer discounts for block booking.

This can save money in the long run, but a learner needs to make sure they are comfortable with both the instructor and their vehicle. Some instructors may offer introductory rates for first lessons.

Another option is to book an intensive crash course in driving. These enable learners to take lessons every day over a short (sometimes a weekly or fortnightly) period and then take their test at the end. These courses are ideal for those who want to learn quickly or pass fast, but again this will come at extra cost.

d) Weekday vs Weekend lessons

It should come as no surprise that many driving instructors may charge a little more to give up parts of their weekend to give learners driving lessons. If they’re able to, it may be more cost-effective to take lessons in the weekday - perhaps over a lunch break or between lessons if the learner is a student.

e) Driving lesson discounts and deals

As mentioned earlier, driving instructors are in a very competitive market so there will be deals to be found - whether that’s through introductory offers, block bookings or maybe even loyalty bonuses for sticking with them.

Before they start their driving lessons, learners should shop around but again being comfortable with the person who is teaching them is imperative…

f) Take extra lessons with friends or family

A great way to save money while learning to drive is to get that all-important experience in private lessons with your parents or other family members.

This is a useful way to get the practice you need without having to pay for more lessons than you can afford. Using a parent’s car is often more comfortable and driving with someone you know can give you more confidence on the road.

One important thing to remember is that even if you’re a learner, you still need to be properly insured when driving the vehicle. Professional instructors will have their own insurance policy but if you’re in the car with a family member, you’ll be the one who needs insurance.

If you’re only having private lessons occasionally, then an annual insurance policy could be a waste of money. Learner driver insurance, on the other hand, is a flexible and affordable option as you only pay for the cover you actually need. From just an hour up to 28 days, you can choose a duration that fits your situation.

Short-term cover will also give peace of mind to any nervous parents worried about letting a learner behind the wheel. As it’s a separate, stand-alone policy it has no impact on their annual policy and if there was to be an accident, they won’t lose their No Claims Discount.

Just remember there are certain rules around who you can learn to drive with. To find out who can supervise a learner driver, take a look at our guide.

g) Don’t rush into tests

Although it may be tempting to book a theory test the moment they turn 17, you should encourage a learner to practise patience so that they don’t waste money and take one before they’re ready.

They’ll need to take some time to revise and prepare for the theory test and trust their instructor for when they are ready for the practical test (which can’t be taken until they’ve passed their theory).

h) Pass first time

A sure-fire way to reduce the overall cost of learning to drive is to pass the first time they take the test. Whether it’s theory or practical, getting the job done on the first try will save having to pay to take it again. As mentioned above, taking a test on a weekday is cheaper and the roads may also be quieter, which could put some nerves at ease.

To increase the chances of passing first time, learners should only apply to take a test once they feel ready to do so. If they’ve booked one and don’t feel ready, it can be postponed with at least three working days’ notice.

When it comes to booking their test, learners can take their time to choose which test centre will be most suitable. They can use Tempcover’s guide to the easiest and hardest places to pass a driving test for guidance, but be aware of the new driving test booking rules that mean there will only be 2 changes allowed (instead of 6) and that the test centre can only be moved to the 3 nearest test centres.

If things don’t go so well during the test and your learner does fail, try to reassure them and tell them not to worry too much. If they just keep practising, they’ll soon be on the road to freedom.