For so many people, the idea of having your own car means finally gaining your freedom. But before you can get behind the wheel, you’ll need to learn to drive. It may be one of the biggest moments in your life so far… but it’s not as daunting as it sounds.
With this learner driver checklist, you’ll have all the information you need to get started. You might want to also check out our guide to learner driver insurance .
Driving lessons vary in price based on instructor or school, location, the type of lesson, and any block booking discounts. In general, the average cost per lesson in the UK is around £25-35. This doesn’t include additional requirements such as the theory test, which is around £23, the practical test, which is up to £75, or the cost of your provisional licence which could be as much as £43.
If you want to take part in the Pass Plus scheme, an optional test designed to teach you additional driving skills, it’ll cost a little extra but it could prove beneficial, not least to your confidence.
If each lesson takes an hour, then you’re looking at over 40 lessons, but everyone’s different and it’s important you feel comfortable behind the wheel before even considering going solo.
There’s no minimum number of lessons or hours you need before driving, only a guideline and an average. Picking an instructor that suits you, practising when you can, and remaining consistent with lessons are all things that could help improve your chances of passing quickly.
You can apply for a provisional licence from the age of 15 years 9 months, which lets you ride a bike from 16 years and drive a car from 17 years. You have to be supervised by someone 21 or over who’s held a full driving licence for at least three years and you’ll need to be with a driving instructor if you want some experience on the motorway.
A provisional licence allows you to learn in either a manual or an automatic vehicle and you’re required to display L plates on your car so other drivers know you’re a learner.
Your provisional licence will cost £34 if you apply online, or £43 if you want to apply by post. There’s no additional cost for your first full licence afterwards unless you want to use a different photo from your provisional. If you need to replace your licence, it will cost £20, and there are charges for altering information on it, or renewing expired licences.
You’ll also need insurance when driving with a provisional licence which will be an extra cost to keep in mind.
Learners’ insurance is a short-term car insurance policy that covers you to drive your car, or someone else’s, to help you prepare for your test. This means you could practice in a relative’s car, or your own if you have one already. These can be updated once you’re done, or just cover the learning phase. It’s completely up to you.
Policies will carry different costs, though, and each insurer will charge different premiums. Before looking at quotes, knowing how long you’ll be driving for, which car you’ll be driving, and what kind of insurance you want is key. Generally, being insured on a shared car, such as your parents’, will be cheaper than your own annual insurance policy. But remember, you won’t start building up those important no claims discount years until you have a policy of your own.
Congratulations! Now you’ve passed, weekend road trips are in arm’s reach but there’s one thing left to do – get insured properly. Car insurance for new drivers can be expensive so it pays to shop around. Remember, though, the cheapest may not be the best option. Look at a range of quotes and decide which type of cover suits you best.
It’s a tricky time, navigating all the quotes and considering exactly what you need. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds. You can go directly to an insurer that suits you and get a quote . Trust Allianz to keep car insurance simple.
