Your friend’s birthday is coming up, you have a phone bill to pay, there are end of school/college year holidays and nights out to fund, so where are you meant to find the money to fund driving on top of all that? Learning to drive can cost up to £1,128 (based on the recommended 48 hours of lessons) and once you pass, things don’t get much easier. Here are some handy hints and tips on how to save the pennies while trying to keep up with your social calendar.
Don’t always go for the cheapest
When it comes to choosing an instructor, don’t always go for the cheapest. That may seem strange as this is a guide to saving money, but you will get better value from an instructor that is well suited to your individual way of learning.
Lesson length
You may find that a one-hour lesson just isn’t long enough for you to really get to grips with what you are being taught. Often, two-hour lessons can seem exhausting but they can be more beneficial as you can practice manoeuvres until they are perfect. This way you may feel that you get more out of a lesson and that means better value for money.
Passing your Theory test
Before being able to sit your practical driving test, you must pass your theory test. When it comes to studying for this you can find all the information you need online. However, if you’d prefer to study from an actual book, you should look for a second hand one or even try your local library in order to save costs. The cost of sitting a driving theory test is currently £25, as of October 2014. This is due to drop to £23 in October 2015. This is an unavoidable cost when it comes to learning how to drive. Extra tip – make sure any second hand books you buy have the most up-to-date information and highway code.
Intense courses
Many learners who feel impatient can take part in an intense driving course, as they often come with the promise that they can teach anyone to drive within a week. With this type of learning it is recommended that the theory test be taken first. This method may have a large initial outlay and therefore may not be suited to those that would rather spread the cost of their lessons.
Long-term benefits
Driving may not the cheapest thing to learn, but it is highly beneficial and will probably pay off eventually. It can help with employment and is a highly practical skill to have, so it is smart to think long term when it comes to driving.
Pass-Plus
Many drivers that pass their driving tests then go on to do the Pass-Plus course. This requires a further minimum of 6 hours of driving lessons and is used to improve new driver’s basic skills and ability to avoid accidents. It will also give you the chance to do some motorway driving. Pass-Plus will improve your confidence and can also decrease the price of your insurance premium. The discount you can receive on insurance often covers the cost of the extra lessons – making it virtually free and highly beneficial.
