What learning to drive really costs

Some costs of learning to drive are fixed by the government. Others, like lessons and insurance, depend on who you choose and how quickly you learn. Here’s what’s fixed, what can make it cost more, and what varies.

The official fees

What	Cost
Provisional licence (online)	£34
Provisional licence (by post)	£43
Theory test	£23
Driving test, weekdays	£62
Driving test, evenings, weekends and bank holidays	£75

Tests from 4:30pm onwards count as evening tests. Test centres don’t offer evening and weekend tests all the time.

These are the prices for booking through gov.uk. Unofficial websites usually charge more, so always book on gov.uk.

What makes it cost more

Failing a test

If you don’t pass, you pay the full fee again to book another test. That’s £23 for another theory test, or £62 to £75 for another driving test.

Changing or cancelling your driving test late

To change your car driving test for free, or cancel it and get a refund, you need to give 10 full working days’ notice. Monday to Saturday count as working days, but Sundays and public holidays don’t.

If you give less notice, you’ll have to pay for a new test. You can apply for a refund if you had to change or cancel at short notice because of something unavoidable, like a school exam or an injury.

If you move to a more expensive slot (an evening, weekend or bank holiday), you pay the difference. If you move to a cheaper weekday slot, you’re refunded the difference.

Turning up without the right things

Your test is cancelled, and you lose your fee, if you don’t bring the right things. That includes your licence and, for the driving test, a car that meets the rules. See the test day checklist.

Costs that depend on you

Driving lessons

Instructors set their own prices. There’s no minimum or maximum cost, and there’s no minimum number of lessons you must have. How many you need depends on how quickly you learn.

Practising with family or friends

You can also practise with family or friends who meet the rules. They’re not allowed to take any payment, not even fuel money. You’ll need insurance that covers you as a learner driver in that car. See Lessons and private practice.

Revision

gov.uk links to free practice tests for both parts of the theory test. You can also buy the official books and apps.

After you pass

You’ll need insurance that lets you drive without supervision. If you choose to take Pass Plus, a course for new drivers, its fees depend on where you live, your instructor and how long the training takes.