Sat, 24 May 2025

Sat, 24 May 2025 Driving instructors say rising prices are fair - but learners can't keep up

Paige Williams, a single mum from Barnsley, says she's having to drastically cut back on spending to afford her £35-an-hour driving lessons.

* The average cost of an hour-long driving lesson in the UK has increased to £36-£40 per hour, according to a survey of 5,000 approved driving instructors (ADIs).
* Only 31.5% of ADIs charge £35 or less per hour, down from 61% in June 2023.
* Nearly one-third of learners and parents surveyed by the BBC said they are frustrated with the cost of driving lessons, which is forcing them to cut back on other expenses.
* Many learners have to space out their lessons to afford them, leading to a longer learning period and potentially delaying passing their test.
* The cost of driving lessons is making it difficult for people to access essential services, including work and school transport, particularly in areas with limited public transport options.
* Instructors say they are charging higher prices due to increasing costs such as fuel, insurance, and car maintenance, which they claim has been underestimated in the past.
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