Learner drivers spend almost £1,000 to pass their tests

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL, MOTORING REPORTER Updated: 00:01 BST, 30 June 2026

Young drivers are faced with spending nearly £1,000 before even getting their licence, new research has found.The cost of getting on the road swiftly adds up, according to comparison site Confused. It said the average learner pays £777 pounds for 18.5hrs of driving lessons, £124 to take two practical tests – based on the average pass rate – and £23 for a theory test- which totals £924.Unsurprisingly, one in five learners said they had considered not learning to drive at all because of the cost. There is also a greater degree of hassle involved for learners now, ranging from driving test booking difficulties and lengthy waiting times, to working out how to cope with high insurance premiums and vehicle costs.With learner drivers finding it increasingly challenging to get on the road, one in four said not being able to drive limited their opportunities for work, travel and socialising. Young drivers spend £924 to pass their test as the cost of learning to drive continues to riseThe expenses most concerning prospective drivers were car insurance, which worried 55 per cent, and buying a car, which worried 51 per cent.Despite the costs, many still view getting a licence as essential, with 45 per cent saying they learnt to drive because it was important for their independence.Matt Crole-Rees, Confused's car insurance expert, said: 'Learning to drive has always been a major milestone, but for many young people the costs involved are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. 'Between lessons, theory tests, practical tests and the expense of buying and insuring a first car, it's easy to see how the total cost can quickly run into the thousands.'Our research shows that many learners are already making sacrifices to afford getting on the road, with some even questioning whether they can afford to learn to drive at all. 'At the same time, lengthy waiting times and the need to retake tests can add further costs and delays to the process.'Learners across Britain spent £221.6million on theory tests between 2023 and 2025, racking up £79.6million in 2025 alone.The costs faced by soon-to-be drivers are reflected in national spending figures.Another FOI to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency showed more than £400million was spent on practical driving tests across the UK between 2023 and 2025.This saw annual income raked in from practical driving tests increase by 7 per cent over the period, rising from £128million in 2023 to £137million in 2025.More than 2.3 million practical driving tests were taken by 17 to 24-year-olds in Great Britain between January 2023 and March 2025, yet almost half resulted in a fail. This means many learners are forced to pay twice for a test, increasing their costs.