The headline figures don't cover everything. To avoid nasty surprises, budget for these additional expenses:
Before you can even sit in the driver's seat, you need a provisional license. Applying online is cheaper (£34) than applying by post using a D1 form (£43).
A common misconception is that the DVSA provides a car for the test. They do not. You must provide a vehicle that meets their safety standards. Most learners use their instructor's car. This typically involves paying for a "2-hour slot" on test day:
At current rates, this adds £70 - £90 to the cost of every practical test attempt.
While many apps are free, the official DVSA theory test kit app costs around £5. Other resources like highway code books or subscription-based theory apps can add £10-£20.
The pass rate for the UK driving test hovers around 48-50%. This statistic suggests that the "average" learner will likely fail at least once.
If you fail, the financial impact is significant:
Total cost of one failure: Approx £300. This emphasizes the value of taking a mock test; if you aren't passing mocks consistently, delaying your test is cheaper than failing it.
In 2026, the shift towards electric vehicles (which are automatic) continues, but manual licenses remain popular for their flexibility.
If you struggle with clutch control, paying a higher hourly rate for automatic lessons might actually save you money overall by reducing your total learning time by 10-15 hours.
Passing the test is just the beginning of your motoring expenditure.
This is a practical training course for at least 6 hours, covering town, all-weather, rural, night, and motorway driving. There is no test at the end.
Cost: £150 - £250.
Benefit: Additional confidence and potential insurance discounts, though these are less common than they used to be.
This is often the most shocking cost for new drivers. In 2026, the average premium for a driver aged 17-24 is roughly £1,200 - £2,000 per year. Opting for a "black box" (telematics) policy can significantly reduce this.
The theory test costs £23. This is a fixed fee set by the DVSA.
Weekend and evening tests cost £75, whereas weekday tests (before 4:30 pm) cost £62.
Most learners spend between £1,600 and £1,900 total. This assumes 47 hours of tuition at average market rates plus test fees.
Yes. The DVSA fee covers the examiner, not the car. You must pay your instructor for their time and vehicle use, typically charging for a 2-hour session.
Usually not per hour, as automatic lessons often cost more. However, if you learn significantly faster in an automatic, the total cost could be lower.
It costs £34 if you apply online via GOV.UK, or £43 if you apply by post.
It varies by insurer. The course costs £150+, so you should check quotes with and without Pass Plus to see if the savings justify the expense.
Last updated: February 20, 2026 by Mustafa Bilgic.