Driving Test Cost Calculator UK 2025
Calculate your total driving licence cost including lessons, theory and practical tests
UK Driving Cost Calculator 2025
Enter your test attempts and lessons to calculate the total cost of getting your UK driving licence.
DVSA Driving Test Fees 2025 – Official Rates
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sets official driving test fees in England, Scotland and Wales. Fees are reviewed annually and the following rates apply from April 2025:
| Test Type | Weekday | Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Theory Test (car) | £23 | £23 (same rate) |
| Practical Test (car) | £62 | £75 |
| Theory Test (motorcycle) | £23 | £23 |
| Practical Test (motorcycle – mod 1) | £15.50 | £15.50 |
| Practical Test (motorcycle – mod 2) | £75 | £88.50 |
| Theory Test (lorry/bus) | £26 | £26 |
| Practical Test (lorry/bus) | £115 | £141 |
| Extended Test (after disqualification) | £124 | £150 |
How Much Do Driving Lessons Cost in the UK?
Driving lesson costs vary significantly across the UK depending on location, instructor type (independent vs BSM/AA/RED), and lesson duration. The typical cost breakdown is:
| Location | Average Cost Per Hour | Typical 47-Lesson Package |
|---|---|---|
| London | £38 – £50 | £1,786 – £2,350 |
| South East England | £35 – £45 | £1,645 – £2,115 |
| Midlands & North West | £30 – £38 | £1,410 – £1,786 |
| Yorkshire & North East | £28 – £35 | £1,316 – £1,645 |
| Scotland | £28 – £36 | £1,316 – £1,692 |
| Wales | £27 – £34 | £1,269 – £1,598 |
| Northern Ireland | £25 – £32 | £1,175 – £1,504 |
Block booking lessons (e.g. a 10-lesson block) often saves 5–15% versus paying per lesson. Intensive driving courses (where you learn over 1–2 weeks) are available from approximately £700–£1,200 for the full course including a test attempt, but pass rates for intensive courses are lower than for lessons spread over several months.
Total Cost of Getting a UK Driving Licence
When you add up all the costs involved in learning to drive, the total is often higher than people expect. The full cost includes:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional driving licence | £34 (online) / £43 (post) | One-off fee |
| Theory test (1 attempt) | £23 | Per attempt; average UK pass rate ~51% |
| Driving lessons (47 avg) | £1,645 | At £35/hr; varies by location |
| Practical test (1 attempt) | £62 – £75 | 47% pass first time |
| Theory study materials | £10 – £30 | DVSA books or app subscription |
| Typical Total | £1,774 – £1,857 | For first-time passes |
| If 2 practical attempts | Additional £62 – £75 | Resit fee only |
| If 3 practical attempts | Additional £124 – £150 | Plus possibly more lessons |
Theory Test – What Does £23 Get You?
The DVSA car theory test consists of two parts, both sat in the same session:
Multiple Choice (50 questions, 57 minutes): Questions covering the Highway Code, road signs, vehicle safety, hazard awareness, eco-friendly driving, and the law. The pass mark is 43 out of 50. Questions are taken from the DVSA's official question bank of over 700 questions. The test is computer-based at DVSA test centres.
Hazard Perception (14 video clips, up to 75 marks): You watch real road footage and click when you spot developing hazards. Each clip contains one scored hazard (one clip contains two). The pass mark is 44 out of 75. Clicking randomly to beat the system will result in a score of zero for that clip.
Practical Driving Test – What Happens During the £62 Test?
The standard DVSA practical car test lasts approximately 40 minutes and covers:
- Eyesight check: Reading a number plate at 20 metres
- Vehicle safety questions ("Show Me / Tell Me"): One "tell me" question before driving and one "show me" question during the drive
- General driving ability: Approximately 20 minutes of normal driving assessed by a DVSA examiner
- Independent driving: 20 minutes following a sat nav or road signs without instruction
- One reversing manoeuvre: Chosen from parallel park, bay park (forward or reverse), or pull up on the right side of the road and reverse
- Emergency stop: May or may not be included (approximately 1 in 3 tests)
Tips to Pass First Time and Save Money
- Book weekday morning tests – quieter roads, lower stress, same £62 fee.
- Study with the official DVSA app – free to download, contains real theory test questions.
- Supplement lessons with private practice – a family member with 3+ years' experience can supervise for free.
- Block-book lessons – most instructors offer 5–10% discounts on lesson blocks.
- Choose a test centre with a high pass rate – rural centres often have simpler test routes.
- Take mock tests before the real thing – most instructors offer a mock test lesson.
- Don't rush – learners who take 2+ years tend to have similar total costs to intensive learners but with higher pass rates.
Driving Test Pass Rates by Test Centre
Pass rates vary enormously between DVSA test centres. The national average practical test pass rate is approximately 47%, but individual centres range from under 30% to over 70%. Urban London test centres (Barnet, Belvedere, Morden) typically have the lowest pass rates due to complex, busy road conditions. Rural Scottish and Welsh centres often have the highest pass rates.
Choosing a test centre strategically can save you money: if you are able to reach a higher-passing centre easily, the £62–£75 investment is the same regardless of location, but your probability of passing first time increases.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving Test Costs UK 2025
How much does the UK theory test cost in 2025?
The DVSA theory test costs £23 in 2025. This covers both the multiple-choice section (50 questions, pass mark 43/50) and the hazard perception test (14 clips, pass mark 44/75). Book at gov.uk/book-theory-test.
How much does the practical driving test cost in 2025?
The DVSA practical test costs £62 on weekdays and £75 for evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The test lasts approximately 40 minutes and includes a 20-minute independent driving section, vehicle safety questions, a reversing manoeuvre, and may include an emergency stop.
How many driving lessons does the average learner need?
The DVSA recommends a minimum of 45 hours of professional lessons plus 22 hours of private practice. In reality, the average learner takes between 40 and 60 professional lessons. Learners who supplement lessons with private practice typically need fewer paid lessons.
What is the average total cost of learning to drive in the UK?
The average total cost of learning to drive in the UK is between £1,500 and £2,500. This includes approximately 47 lessons at £35/hr (£1,645), theory test (£23), practical test (£62), and provisional licence (£34). Many learners take more than one practical test attempt.
What is the UK driving test pass rate?
The overall UK practical driving test pass rate is approximately 47%. The theory test pass rate is around 51%. Pass rates vary significantly by test centre — rural centres tend to have higher pass rates than busy urban centres.
Can I take my practical test without lessons?
Yes, you can legally take the practical test without professional lessons if you hold a valid provisional licence and have passed the theory test. However, the DVSA recommends professional tuition. Self-taught learners have significantly lower pass rates.
How long is a theory test pass valid for?
A theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from the pass date. You must pass your practical test within this window or the theory test expires and you will need to re-sit and pay the £23 fee again.
Written by Mustafa Bilgic (MB) | Last updated: February 2026 | DVSA fee data from official gov.uk sources. Lesson cost data based on industry averages. Figures are for guidance only.