How much do driving lessons cost in the UK?

Learning to drive is an essential skill, whether for convenience, work, or emergencies. But before getting behind the wheel, it’s important to budget for driving lessons.

So, how much are driving lessons in the UK? Prices vary depending on location, the type of lessons, and whether you're learning with a private instructor or a driving school. 

This guide will break down driving lesson costs across the UK, key factors that influence pricing, and tips for finding the right instructor to help you pass your test with confidence.

Average cost of driving lessons per location

The cost of driving lessons primarily depends on where you're located. The table below shows driving lesson prices in some UK areas.

 A driving instructor guiding a beginner student during a lesson. (Source: iStock)

What affects the cost of driving lessons? 

Here are other things you have to consider when calculating the cost of driving lessons:

Lesson duration and frequency

Technically, the driving lesson's hourly cost will depend on whether you avail of a packaged deal or just a session. Each session lasts somewhere from 90 minutes to two hours. If you're new to driving, getting a packaged deal on the get-go will save you a lot of money. However, a per-session arrangement should be right for you if you're looking for a refresher course. 

Hours behind the wheel

The UK doesn't have a required number of hours for driving practise, so all you need to consider is approximately how many hours it will take for you to get comfortable and confident driving. Driving instructors usually offer learners discounts the more hours they get, so it's best to be decisive about this. 

Lesson plan or curriculum

Always look at the lesson plan or curriculum of your driving instructor. Some instructors offer cheaper services but at the cost of technical knowledge. Check if their curriculum has all the basics you might need in the future, like how to parallel park. Remember, you can never learn too much about safe and proper driving.

Other things to consider when hiring a driving instructor

As with anything, it's best to do your research first. This is particularly important before taking driving lessons. Here are a few things you must reflect on when looking for a driving instructor.

Your instructor's experience

Your instructor should be experienced because they'll be the one to (1) teach you the right way to drive and (2) possibly help you enjoy, or even love, driving. When booking a Tasker for driving lessons, check if they have an instructor's licence from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This will help ensure their credibility, and, ultimately, your safety as a student. 

Government requirements

Driving lesson requirements in the UK aren't as stringent as in other countries. However, there are still minimum qualifications. Typically, the UK government will ask you to present a provisional driving licence before you can practise driving. 

Private classes vs driving school

Getting private classes or going to driving school will depend on several things: where you're at with your driving; your schedule; your needs; and your instructor's flexibility. If you're someone with a busy schedule or you only want to improve a specific skill, perhaps private classes will be a better fit. 

A driving instructor providing hands-on guidance. (Source: iStock)

Book a driving instructor on Airtasker

Now that you're familiar with driving lesson prices, the next step is to find credible driving instructors on Airtasker. The process is pretty straightforward. Just post a task and wait for offers in your inbox.

To make sure you get the right Tasker for your needs, include these details on the request form: 

• Your budget, location, and schedule

• Your preferred number of hours for practice driving

• Your skill level as a driver 

• Specific driving skills you want to learn (if applicable)

Although you have to memorise and follow many rules to be a good driver, the learning process doesn't have to be boring. Taskers can adjust their lesson plan, making it fun without compromising safety.